Stitches on Mars

2012-01-17T15:15:00.004+11:00

I went for a walk around Lillydale lake today.
Its been a few years since I last went. Liam had yet to discover his abhorrence of cold water, so going with him by myself was a challenge I had not thought through. It turned in to a real struggle keeping him safe and out of the water, then carrying this wriggly mutinous creature with a backpack up a hill to the car....never again.
So I had forgotten the simple pleasure of walking around the lake. I've gone with family, friends and on my own. Sometimes I prefer it on my own, even though its the memories of other people and times I carry with me. My mind loved the carefree chance to wander and it made me wonder why some people needed an ipod.
My mind drifted from the misty cold morning when Amy and I were losing weight, the coolish breeze ruffling my hair and cooling my body, strains of Adele (who needs an ipod), pushing Liam around in his pram chatting to Mum, the photos I had seen of Adam and Naomi there as their relationship blossomed (and where we said goodbye as they headed for a new life in Sydney), watching remote controlled sailing ships and the dog in the shallows refusing to leave :), the contrail in the blue sky above to the comforting fatigue as I reached the car. Pure bliss!
I went home in a very peaceful frame of mind and all it had taken was a half hour walk in body and soul.

2011-04-02T14:20:00.006+11:00

Autism Awareness

This is one of the faces of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is also a face I adore. Most of the time he is a happy and affectionate young man. Sometimes he gets overwhelmed by the sensory information he experiences. He will shut down (sleep) and let his brain recover or perhaps cover his ears or start running and running.
Other times he needs extra stimulation...he loves movement and is drawn to moving vehicles and swings and chase sequences in films...touch and seeks hugs and the lovely feeling of water especially the differences between above and below the surface (unless its cold).

We worry about him, his innocence and his vulnerability and his knack of knowing when you are not fully attentive. Things can go easily happen then.

All my friends with children on the spectrum have "lost" them for a minute or much more. They don't answer, they know where they want to go and go, they know what they want and when to get it. No-one can be that attentive. So we panic when they gleefully run off in a book store, knowing there is a road outside and more than one exit, when we realise they can get into a cupboard and possibly hurt or poison themselves. Many of us have to lock up our houses like "Fort Knox" to keep our precious child safe....and that is still not enough. Every 6 months or so we hear on the news that another one of our gorgeous children has been killed by a train or a car or has drowned. It hits all of us hard.

Because they are precious: they are our fascinating mysteries wrapped in an enigma, frustrating and beguiling and pure and exhausting and adorable. They drive us crazy as I'm sure we do them (and the weird strange world we live on). They need our help, our understanding and our love. The simple act of a kiss or the word "Mummy" is the greatest gift that so many people take for granted.

Liam understands so much and so little. He has the most expressive face. He has autism, but that doesn't make him a different species any more that a person with diabetes or cancer.

We also forget that every one of us has autistic traits. So how different are we really? A little understanding, acceptance and patience goes an awfully long way.

Well I'm off to give m y little treasure a hug and a tickle. He loves being tickled and I love his gleeful laughter.

Hugs, Sharon

Breaking the Ice

2011-03-15T13:13:00.003+11:00

Well...I'm not quite sure what to say...
I would have said I was disappearing for a while or a season or two, but it was totally unplanned. Then I wasn't sure how to break the ice. its not like I had a good excuse. And as far as the world is concerned...the news has just been heart-breaking. The one in a hundred year events seemingly all happening on a weekly basis. So many people have lost so much. All my family is well...and safe. I have much to be thankful for.

So what am I doing here now...well I've been waiting for the heater man to come since the end of last week, my Homespun has decided to wander off on its own and my jaw has been throbbing since Friday. So as I was stuck at home, in a disagreeable mood and I thought perhaps now was the time LOL Pathetic really!!!

Yesterday was my 29th wedding anniversary, I'm turning 50 this year and my baby (for 19 years until Liam) got married last year. Wow that went fast. It doesn't seem quite right really.
He (Simon) even got me onto facebook...well when your sister rings you and asks what you thought of the photos and how he is posting stuff during his honeymoon...well I am human LOL
Then Adam and Naomi went to Japan (which they loved)...such beautiful people they said. They weren't as far north, but....

Christmas went well...fortunately there are 12 days of Christmas and I finished my last gift on the 11th day (well except for the one I have yet to send). New Years eve was wonderfully calm and quiet. Perfect!
I kind of shut-down over January...it went on so long that I have realised that I had been doing it for years (just never as long before). Perhaps it was the weather...why anyone would ever voluntarily have a sauna is beyond me. It was a weird summer.
Now my beautiful boy is back at school, which he just loves and I've come out of my slumber :)

Hugs, Sharon

Wedding Day 01/11/10

2010-11-06T11:35:00.000+11:00

The Newlyweds (photo by Gerard Assi)

The first of November was a time for a new beginning in our families lives: Simon and Beth's wedding. I've always adored my sons and seeing them both find and marry their loves is a joyous time.
We have known this happy couple for 8 years now, since Beth was 15 and Simon was 17. They actually started dating less than 6 months after Adam and Naomi did, so the 2 couples have grown together, which is rather lovely. Adam & Simon have mostly been close...well there were the odd times as with all siblings :). The couples are so close that they have each included the other couple in their wedding party. Liam has also provided an interesting role...that of tension breaker during the ceremonies, where tears have turned to smiles...not that there is anything wrong with tears of joy, it just makes it harder to speak :D

The Chapel at Tatra

Liam and I

Simon, Damian & Adam

As Simon waited with his best friend since primary school and his older brother for his bride to walk up the aisle his and her glistening eyes met with smiles and heartfelt love. Ok , I had tearful eyes too and Liam made happy accompanying sounds :).

Beth & Carlo

The day had started with Liam jumping on us in the morning...when I got up he discovered his 2 brothers in the loungeroom....they had arrived in the wee hours of the morning, discovered a puncture in the blow up bed, mended it with duct tape (which lasted 20 minutes) and decamped to the lounge-room (where we had fortunately bought a couch which included a sofa bed). Imagine Liam's surprise and delight...well needless to say 2 brothers in bed trump one father in his...of course 1 father and 1 brother trump the other brother too LOL.
Later there was a mad rush for the shower, Adam had returned with flowers and Damian, the best man, the videographer and Beth's brother were due...

Beth

I went over to Beth's ( she looked gorgeous...mind you it would be difficult for Beth not to look lovely) for hair and make-up (I don't tend to wear make-up, but this was my son's wedding afterall)

Adam, Kris, Simon & Chris (left)

About to be brothers-in-law: Simon & Chris (right)

Simon & Adam in Simon's car

and then returned home just in time for Simon's departure...gee they looked good.

Ahhh a moments reflection to admire my workmanship 'big cheeky grin' (OK I cannot take all the credit LOL...), but they are sooo gorgeous. Oh and btw I meant the boys not Simon's car LOL

The "boys" and Liam

Naomi (below) (photo by Mark Heath)

Beth (photo by Mark Heath)

Michelle (maid of honour) and Damian (best man)

The ceremony was lovely and include wonderful moments like the lighting of candles for relatives no longer here and the sand ceremony joining our 2 families together. The vows included "my favourite pest" which brought a laugh...as we all know you cannot live with someone and never be irritated by them, even if that irritation is lovely you love (or not) about them.

Smiles after Naomi's trip as Beth and Simon sign the wedding certificate

Then there were the occasional antics by Liam and Naomi's tripping up into her husband Adam's arms...I hope she won't kill me for this as she was sooo embarrassed and worried about what might have happened.

The bridal party (below)

The reception was held at the Tatra and the staff did an excellent job. The highlight of the evening (the dance) followed some excellent speeches (lets say I learn't a thing or two about my middle son) :)

Kris's speech (photo by Mark Heath)

The Dancing (below) (photos by Mark Heath)

Beth and Simon are rather fond of "So you think you can dance" so we were treated to a lovely romantic dance followed by a hip hop one, showing how no matter what they are always drawn together again. WOW!!! is all I can say....and how did my son do that when he has parents with more than 2 left feet (Yes , we are really that bad)

Beth and Simon had a wonderful evening I'm sure...they looked absolutely radiant.

Dancing with friends and family (photo by Gerard Assi)

Carlo singing (photo by Gerard Assi)

Liam also coped very well...he went for the odd walk with me, his father, David (a close family friend), his cousin Nikki and even had a dance. When proceedings overwhelmed him he shut down and had a sleep. He was wonderful :)

Clare, Amanda, Briana, David & Erica Thomas

I had a lovely time too...I didn't manage to catch up with as many people I wanted too as Liam was my priority. Though it was wonderful catching up with those I did, particularly Clare and David, whom I have known since school and dearly love and their 3 wonderful daughters (they live in Canberra, a mere 6 hour drive away).

We saw the happy couple the next day...I was returning the hired suits after the cup day holiday and to pick up Adam & Naomi's luggage as they were all flying out around the same time. Beth and Simon also took time to update their facebooks...afterall one must be facebook official LOL and see some of the photos taken on the day by other guests. Gerard was up 'til 4 pm...thats keen :).
After a stop back home to finish packing (and get a locksmith to let them in LOL), Kris picked the four of them up and took them to the airport.
Sometimes when people leave, you feel their absence almost as a physical empty place...its suddenly too quiet...even if you are just want to rest in the peace. They are just wonderful people to be around...I just love them.

So Simon & Beth have a wonderful honeymoon, I wish you all the best for the future.
Communicate, hug, forgive and compromise and listen...love will uplift and sustain you.

I hope you like the photos, especially those I shamelessly pinched from Gerard's and Mark's facebook page :)

Lots of love and hugs,
Sharon

As October ends

2010-10-31T18:26:00.000+11:00

Final suit fitting...2 of my gorgeous young men :)

The days leading up to Simon & Beth's wedding have been quite busy, more so for the bride and groom admittedly :). So tomorrow is the big day.
There has been final suit fitting, hair cuts, nails and facials and last minute shopping and fun and laughter and stress

Bouncing and bubbles

and Surprises
ohhh...its Adam!!! What's going on? Liam arrives home from school to find a reception committee waiting for him.

Naomi & Adam have
arrived from Sydney...Liam was very surprised when he arrived home from school to see them standing there. Liam adores his brothers. He jumped happily on the trampoline with Adam and was his little shadow the following day...he even tried to follow him into the bathroom and stuck his hand under the door...as soon as Adam was out he was then again. It was really cute. I'm not sure Liam's brothers realise how special his response to them is...

Walking the dogs

Hens high tea...followed by dancing and dinner for young hens :)....sorry I have no bucks photos!!

Hens

\

Beth and her Mum, Glenda

and wedding rehearsals...I predict tears on the day :)

The men:
Simon, Damian & Adam

They are going to be such a gorgeous and emotional couple :). Adam & Naomi are also in the bridal party, which is rather lovely.
Tonight, perhaps for the last time, we will have all our 3 sons sleeping here and tomorrow will be another new beginning...and the beat goes on...

Even in the rain and mist the Dandenongs are beautiful

Needless to say, tomorrow will be awesome!!!

Hugs, Sharon

Debonaire

2010-10-26T01:34:00.000+11:00

Its hard to believe that Simon and Beth's wedding is just one week away...Liam has had his first suit fitting and it went extraordinarily well. This is the thing with autism, it can look quite invisible, but you never know how he will react. The autism is really only slightly noticeable in one of these photos...and only if you know what to look for.
I did know it would be better not to go late in the day and I think he rather liked being picked up early from school.

He coped very well, not minding being handled by a strange woman he had just met and even looked like he was enjoying himself. She didn't mind that he had a little run around the store or even that he joined the window display and watched the cars go rushing down Mitcham Road.
I believe the lack of stress and her acceptance helped him enormously. If we had tried to contain him too much, the story may have been quite different.

And just what is it about a suit that can make a boy or young man look soooo adorably cute.

Ahhh you've gotta love the way your sons scrub up.

Hugs, Sharon

Treefall

2010-10-25T10:17:00.001+11:00

The tree facing the road (left), those bushes behind the tree are on the other side of the road; and towards the house(below)

The Friday before last we heard a crashing sound...Kris even wondered if there had been a car accident on the road behind our house. The weather had been very chilly due to an Antarctic blast from the south and we had been swept by wind and rain.

This huge (dead) tree had crashed through our back fence and hit the edge of another tree...the dogs were unhurt 'huge relief" and I was able to move them closer to the house before they thought of getting out through the gap.

The tree through our back garden

Where the top of the tree crashed into our tree, which is almost 2/3rds to our house.

As Liam is allergic to dog saliva we fortunately have this area, though the dogs felt a bit uncomfortable being there. Of course Khya loves to dig, so overnight she had flattened the new shrubs and dug 3 holes...Kris was quite distressed. With the searing summers and lack of rain, it was the first time in years this area had looked so verdant...oh well it'll recover I guess. This is what I saw when I went out the back.

The filled gap in the fence

The next day the council sent men out to cut the tree off our fence...as you can see the hole is now filled with non-ascetically pleasing corrugated iron (but at least the dogs cannot get out). I had had to add to the short barrier the councilmen had put up as there was NO way it was going to keep a German Shepherd in.

Chopped wood

Removing the tree from the fence (below)

We still don't know what is going to happen with the fence...afterall it was not our tree that damaged it, and I worry about the longevity of the gap-filler and the strength of the surrounding edges of the fence.

Still we were very very lucky :)

Hugs, Sharon

Sydney (photo heavy)

2010-10-24T08:14:00.000+11:00

Well its been an interesting couple of weeks.
After a bad start to the school holidays, Liam was fit and raring to go. He loved the holiday programme and I got a couple of hours to do things Liam isn't so keen on...not that I got those new bathers...I seem to be oddly distorted in the mirror and exposed shall we say less than flattering fleshy bits. So I wore the old one and tried to keep the water level near my neck...as a girl in one shop said it won't matter once you are in the water...she should try having my shape :)
As the holidays ended we extended them with a trip to Sydney to spend some time with Adam and his gorgeous wife. We went by car of course...Liam and the car cope very well, Kris loves to be in control. We only had one incident with Liam...one simply cannot expect one to fulfill his part of the bargain (who knew) and expect to leave without chips...as I slid him across the shiny tiled floor to the door where I attracted DH's help. One look at Liam's thunderous face and you guessed it we had late afternoon tea. We got shafted by the tollway as they as we went throught the exact chane isle...and you cannot argue with a machine that you are not a truck but a car...were we really that heavy LOL
Adam was sooo excited when we arrive he locked us all out of their unit with dinner in the oven (and Naomi was at a hen's do in town) LOL.
While in Sydney we took Liam bowling...he loves the bowling on the wii so is fascinated with it in real life for a game and a half...then I think the noise and lights become unbearable and its time to go home. We had fun and Liam even got a strike.

At their local park...he loved the swing and even went on the slide. Naomi and Adam also enjoyed themselves :)

We also went on a walking track that leads from the park through a mangrove area to an inlet.

During a "short cut" (it turned out it wasn't LOL) we saw this odd formation of vegetation, went under the freeway, along walkways...we were gone for a few hours. Liam coped marvelously...we only had a few collapsures (not unjustifiably considering how I had brought no drink or snacks with us and it was a long walk...I thought we were just going to the park for a bit. I suspect we had far less complaints than with a tired , thirsty neuro-typical child.
We went back to play in the park on the following week-end with friends of Adam & Naomi's...they have a gorgeous 18mth old daughter...she's like a little doll. Liam did notice her and seemed quite curious and gently stroked her cheek. She was also curious about Liam. Interestingly both children exhibited some jealously when Adam was paying attention to the other one...he was very fair and was rather pleased that Liam cared :)
We also went to the Aquarium at Darling Harbour...Liam loved the train trip in, loved the penguins and was fascinated by the turtles, he hated the volume of people and that Daddy was taking too long...he attempted an escape...towards the light (was the wrong way).... mutinously refused to go in the right direction, so decided to crawl away (harder for Mum to pick up), then collapsed on the ground. He eventually gave up and we hid in the toilet for a while (Kris was blissfully unaware and taking photos at the time) and then we came out through the cafe.......and I guess you can guess what happened next :)

Kris also got a lovely kiss from a happy son :)

After a little wander around, we headed home via a bridge that led straight into Price Waterhouse. One tired little man slept very well that night.

The next day we did absolutely nothing and took him to the pool the following day. Liam loves water. It was very very busy. Kris , however decided to go for a couple of fast laps, despite his rather sore shoulder and boy did he suffer the consequences (a lot of pain due to a partial dislocation of his left shoulder) ...in fact he still cannot use that arm properly and its driving him crazy...after having just recovered from injuring his knee, he said he's feeling somewhat aged.

Our final trip was to the Hunter Valley...Liam hates the strong alcohol smell, but loved having a bit of a run outside...and he does love going for a drive..
It was wonderful to catch up with Adam and Naomi...I absolutely loved cooking dinner with Adam one night. I had forgotten how nice it was to cook with someone else :)

When we got home, Liam was sooo excited he raced around the front garden (several times). He loves to visit Adam & Naomi in Sydney, but he also loves to come home again...but then again don't we all :)

At think thats enough for this post.

Lots of hugs, Sharon

Woo Hoo, I won :)

2010-09-28T17:48:00.001+10:00

Last week was the first week of our school holidays...so we all got sick LOL. Before I succumbed I entered a competition on Lynette's blog...and I won...what a wonderful get well present that was. Well my pattern arrived today. Woo Hoo!
If you want to see a much much better piccie of this design check it out here...its well worth it :)

This week we are all feeling much better. Liam is going to a holiday programme in the mornings and just loving it...he was sooo excited this morning :)

Hugs, Sharon

Zoe

2010-09-22T08:17:00.001+10:00

This quilt 's owner has arrived!

CONGRATULATIONS

This little cutie was born on Monday...when I asked the new father how his daughter was he proudly said "she's magnificent". He is very thrilled as is his Mum... I haven't been able to see her yet as Liam is unwell, but there's plenty of time. We have known him and his Mum for years, so Kris insisted on taking her in to the hospital. He was a tad annoyed with our video camera though...it has been playing up and finally packed up just as he was about to use it...thats life :)

Doting Mum and Grandmother

New life is so precious and wonderful.

Hugs Sharon

NQR

2010-09-19T19:04:00.000+10:00

After making a quilt for a baby shower (at the end of the kookaburra post), I thought it would be nice to make one for Liam...especially as it has different textures on it. I've been procrastinating, but not sure why. Enough I thought.
I laid out the squares and immediately felt uncomfy...I laid out all of them...perhaps I'm being silly. I asked Kris (see I was desperate..."I hate it" said he..."please don't say its for us" and "did you choose that fabric?"). That made me feel good... not. Now I would also like to point out that I do not like making things I hate, even if they are to give away :).

I've removed the offending stripy fabric...it really did not go, but something is still not right. I think I may take out the monkeys and multi-coloured circles. At the moment its lying on the spare room floor. Hopefully I will be able to salvage something out of it.

Oh well, at least i got some painting done.

Hugs to all,
Sharon

The Moment by Kris Feigl

2010-09-07T19:26:00.000+10:00

A journey
Created
A scream
Not faked it
Drawing
Contraction
Conception
A life

Building blocks
Growing
The dream
Your showing
A glow
The radiance
A light

A future
Your making
A dream
Your shaping
Prime directive
An instinct
A drive

The fear
Of not being
Not clear
Not seeing
A future a choice
Not to make

A tomorrow
Not there at all
The questions
No answers call
That future
May see success
Or may see a fall

The tears
Screaming returns
Not faking
Contractions churn
Force out a life
Turn on a light
Forever change

Behold the moment
Behold a life
Welcome new spirit
Burning so bright
Light supernova
Overwhelms all
Blots out the day

Bonding in spirit
Bonding in soul
Sense new beginning
Responsible role
Baton change over
Life's work starts now
Where will it end

Glimpse new horizon
Behind a glow of dawn
Track leading on now
Energy gone
Unconditional love
Unforgettable journey
When will it end

For the love of a mother
The bond of the soul
Will live ever more now
In her baton change role
Future intangible
Power incredible
Force indescribable
Drive not deflectable
Course not selectable
Nature's choice
Irresistible and delectable
Sweet dreams!

I hope you like DH's poem
Hugs, Sharon

A Kookaburra, a Trampoline, a Cake and a Quilt

2010-09-03T08:37:00.000+10:00

Its Spring :) and the honeyeaters constant squabbling in the gum tree over a particularly good nest has abated. It went on all through August LOL.

We also had a visitor to our deck yesterday afternoon. Our deck does feel a little like a tree-house and this little kookaburra certainly emphasized that. We have never had one come so close...he obviously approves of our deck. He wasn't even too concerned about popping down onto the deck to grab a bit of sausage meat :)

Even Liam was interested...unfortunately there is no photo as we stopped him as he was reaching out to touch the bird. This was the best we could do. The kookaburra remained despite Liam getting within millimetres of his breast :) Our neighbours' children were also fascinated to see him as they arrived home from school. Kris fed him some meat from a sausage roll...hope that doesn't put him off coming back LOL. I was taking photos and it almost looked like he was posing at one stage. I was quite close :). This is why we love Montrose, the trees , the birds and if you go for a walk early enough (which I have not done lately...and am consequently quite unfit), I have seen wallabies, a couple of echidnas and the odd kangaroo. The bush is just over the back road you see. Montrose is the kind of place that people stay, sometimes moving within the suburb...I

guess thats why we've been here for so long...

Liam also had a good time on the trampoline with both Mummy and Daddy...he outlasted both of us :). He just loves it especially when on of us (usually Daddy) is on too. He can coordinate his bouncing so that he goes up as Daddy comes down...he loves getting higher and higher. There are lots of smiles, good looking and squeals of delight :).

Simon was also over last week-end for Liam's birthday ...so I'll indulge in a couple of pics of Liam's birthday again. Still not keen about the candles LOL

I have also finally finished the quilt I was making for a friend's baby shower...well I had left myself a little over a week to do it and I must say I was quite impressed with how close I got...at least Tracey was able to see it almost finished...that is with threads hanging out and most of the quilting done. The pics I've taken still have loose threads so don't look too closely...I wanted to take advantage of the sun :)
I ran out of time...the election didn't help. Who's running the country anyway?...well we still don't know LOL.

So I hope you are all having a good week.
Lots of love and hugs (of course LOL),
Sharon

Liam at 6

2010-08-27T08:49:00.000+10:00

Today was Liam's 6th birthday and he was well :) After several years of him being ill on his birthday, thats now two in a row that he's been fine. Its so good that he's so healthy now :)

Liam 3 days old...and it was the first time I got to hold him or even see him for 2 long days, as we were in different hospitals :(

Liam loves to go to his favourite corner when he gets to school...Mum saying goodbye

He is also very very happy.

He absolutely loves his school, loves being with Mummy and Daddy and the pool and going out and coming home. Liam lives very much in the now and now is wonderful :). No wonder he's so healthy :)

The school Liam goes to is an autism specialist school and on a child's birthday, they organise a party for them with balloons, party food, party hats and a present...we bring cake, drink and goodie bags. Its a really nice thing to do. We are also invited...yeah!
As you can see even its no mean feat. Just getting them to put on the hat, however briefly isn't easy. hence its off most of the time. The teacher encourages one child to give Liam his birthday present and then helps him to unwrap it...as you can see he was quite happy with it :)...then came the Happy Birthday song and the lighting and blowing out the candles. All the kids get a chance to do this, which is really good. Liam as you can tell isn't always so keen on this. interested Liam was...it has taken a while and a lot of hard work on the teacher's part as although Liam is pretty easy going in that he is passive-aloof photos show that Liam didn't like the birthday song ( that may exhibit a dislike of bad singing LOL). Wouldn't look at the cake being lit, though he would intensely watch his teacher :)

...its therefore hard to get his attention. He will not necessarily look at what you want him to look at. Kris calls it studious avoidance. Putting it right in his face means "don't look", but you do feel you have to try as its too easy to avoid looking from a distance. It can be quite frustrating at times.

Liam was a little uncertain what to make of the lit candles and cakes approaching him...although you could say he has finally looked at them :D

He did have a go at blowing them out though...he much preferred eating one. This chocolate cake is his absolute fave food, even better than chips :)
Afterwards it was back to the normal school routine (do a almost detect a sigh of relief that its all normal again LOL) with a song and a book. It was fascinating watching the other kids and seeing how interested Liam was...it shows the persistent hard work his teachers have put into him.

As you can see we all had a very good day. Liam was quite happy to slip into the normal school routine again and say goodbye to his parents again :). He was very tired that night though. Turning 6 can be hard work :D

Liam you are an absolute treasure and we adore you. Your cuddles and giggles and wanting dickle dickle (tickling) brighten our days more than you will ever know. Happy Birthday our precious one :)

Lots of hugs, Mum

Tuesday night

2010-08-26T08:15:00.000+10:00

I had had to wait for the driving rain and hail to ease before going down to the car for my craft class.

Next day:
"I didn't make it to my craft class last night"
"Why not?" R asked
"Because I couldn't get down the driveway"was the mournfully embarrassed response
R Laughing "why, what was in the driveway?"
"Nothing"
I backed out, Kris parks slightly differently to me...should that make a difference. "I couldn't see" I sadly exclaimed
"What happened?" said she
"Oh I went over the sleeper and got bogged in front of the tree. Kris had to rescue the car and I was so upset , he thought I best stay at home. I was sooo upset and cross and embarrassed I couldn't ring and explain why I didn't go"
Last time Kris had driven the car down the driveway, after doing this and covering a visiting friend with mud.
" And to add insult to injury, I was also looking forward to a poo-free night"
Needless to say we both cracked up laughing
Dare I say "Shit happens" LOL

Hugs, Sharon

Bits of this and that

2010-08-15T09:17:00.000+10:00

My fave red has transformed.......I know dyelots can vary, but its a totally different colour!!!

Santa in my red's previous incarnation

A little bit of sewing. These 3 stitcheries were also from QFD's Christmas in July and are meant to be the centrepieces of 3 gift bags. I did the first in my fave variegated red (Anchor 1206), but it has since changed :(...the bright pink and deep wine colurs are more like brown and orange :(

The last 2

are using a gorgeous threadworx variegated yarn...I just loved the way the chrissy presents worked out :)

Barb (Theodore Cleave) & Marg Lowe (designs) at the Quilt and Craft Fair, Melbourne. It was great to meet them...sorry this is the only photo I have of the day

It was lovely going to the fair with my sisters, but I missed out on a fair bit due to the size of the crowd on the first day...it just wore me down...I'll think I'll go later next time (not that I didn't get some goodies though, perhaps it was better for my wallet, especially as I had been doing a bit of online naughtiness hee hee hee

Belated showings of lovelies I won in 2 separate giveaways earlier this year.

These gorgeous variegated threads were hand dyed by Amanda Bergamin and

the ever-so cute cow is a wall hanging by Nina Lise Moen (who include some other beauties as you can see in the piccie below).

You will be relieved to hear I have thanked these ladies much earlier...they are sooo late in being posted as I've been a little out of it (not an excuse, just why).
Its also why I've been slack blogging and even reading blogs...all of which makes me feel somewhat disconnected, but I'm getting there :).... I will further add that although I have been negligent lately I have appreciated all the lovely comments that have been made.

The decking is progressing as you can see below. Liam just loves it.

He's not even fully dressed yet :)

The decking after its first coat of paint...really only the top needed to be done at this stage, but we (well Mainly Kris) couldn't waste the lovely sun after the rain and hail of previous days.

Stay well. Hugs, Sharon

August 1st

2010-08-01T12:00:00.000+10:00

Its the first day of August and a bit dark and dreary outside. Still only one more month of winter and yesterday was surprisingly warm and sunny. Not bad hey :). Its also Liam's birthday at the end of the month :)...a lovely end to winter.

I've gone to my carer's exercise class now 3 times. The first time I was apprehensive...hey I've never been to a gym before :) I felt great after the class, though my legs waited 'til the still of the night to voice their rather loud protest at such treatment LOL. The following week, I was still uncertain and felt more tired (perhaps I tried harder...we are talking about me though :) and last week I was excited to go. Isn't that grand!

On the home front we've been having a deck built...the post holes were all dug and we were chatting to our neighbours...4 adults making sure 4 children didn't go down a hole...so of course I just had to demonstrate what not to do in the name of public safety of course LOL.

So here is well I fell...lucky really as the slope just fell away so I didn't have a sore head as I landed face done and I missed all the rocks.
I felt well.. rather silly really ;)

Kris built a rock wall...a good bit of recycling :). That area looks much much much better now...he did a really good job too...see all that time playing tetris didn't go to waste :D

The rock wall

I took photos and Liam of course discovered his father's pepsi (Ahhhh pure caffeinated sugary cola...heaven for Liam).
He can be quite demanding and doesn't take into consideration such minor difficulties as the can may be empty (well usually its not) or you may be indisposed or asleep as this photo shows. As you can see my DH can sleep through most things.

Liam after coke/pepsi (doesn't care which). Note he cannot drink it directly from the can so he thoughtfully brings a cup as well :)

Liam surveying the work in progress last Sunday

I have also been stitching, but I haven't taken photos yet...will wait until it brightens up a bit.

I'll be back another day with more Christmas in July goodness...shame its over :( Thanks Sarah, you're a star.

Lets all have a wonderful August. Hugs, Sharon

Andthen there was....Christmas in July

2010-07-23T16:51:00.001+10:00

Although our little man was born here on Mars and is, therefore, quite content and happy to be here, life on Mars is not always easy. There are times when you get homesick despite the beauty and fascination Mars offers. Then there are the supply and communication lines to worry about and the consequent red tape...how I hate red tape. These lines can be quite labyrinthine in their complexity so that even if you do get through to Earth you may not be in the right place or there's that never-ending dull music wearing you down. You can feel like those on Earth have forgotten you and that you need help or are too busy getting on with other things or just don't get it or think well you chose to live there...here have another form to fill out...have you had that assessment made...we'll get back to you. Oh NO! they've hung up...here we go again...we need a new wireless remote system that actually works. Slowly slowly it wears away.

Santa design by Natalie Bird (this came pre-printed...perfect for someone who couldn't be bothered tracing LOL)

Then all of a sudden a phone answers, the person is able to get back to you and my God something is going to happen...Woo Hoo...small victory it may be, but it feels good. And you find another connection that leads to an online quilting group with a reliable exchange. Suddenly things are not looking so bleak :)

I've been participating in Quilt Fabric Delights (QFD), Christmas in July and loving it. It has been fun and had really helped shift me out of my apathy. There's this lovely wall hanging by Gail Pan, a divine advent calender gorgeous stockings, xmas bags, a pincushion, trees, ornaments and much more. Whats more, I'll have no excuse for being disorganised for Christmas this year (knock on wood LOL)

Stitchery design by Gail Pan...stitched with different variegated threads. I just lurve variegated threads :)

Whats more I've joined an exercise group thats just for Earth expats like me :) Ahh I think I might go exploring again soon. Hey has the new breathing apparatus arrived yet!

Love and hugs to you all, Sharon

Debbie

2010-07-18T09:50:00.001+10:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBIE

Today is my sister Debbie's birthday...I'm kinda using it to get blogging again :) Hopefully I can then move on and her birthday is certainly cause for celebration :)

I am one of 3 sisters, Debbie being the middle one and Jenny the youngest. She is apparently, therefore, the most stable one and suffers from middle child syndrome (whatever that it :). She is certainly the peacemaker, the one everyone turns to when we need help. I think she was born with a maternal instinct :) We all love her dearly and would be lost without her. We (her family, even me LOL) have occasionally gone to far, but she rarely snaps and tells us to just get on with it. Like my father we wonder what we did wrong on these rare occasions LOL and why did she snap...that is until we have calmed down. She also has trouble saying "no" and often finds herself up to her ears and more because of this....I mean there is only so much you can fit into the day. Actually in this she has perhaps changed little as I remember stories of her being so busy that she would forget to go to the loo...then a mad dash would ensue.
Of course we've had our "fights" and the twos

Debbie and me

against one...interestingly rarely was Debbie the one (most notably when she had the audacity to let some guy take up her time...she later married him and we've long got over it LOL) She was physically stronger that me and went through a stage of just picking me up and walking off with me...I soon learn't to carry on my converstions regardless.

Mum, Debbie, me and Dad

Though I do remember her asking me (with great concern) what you did about boys as they were stronger than her...not something she had had to deal with. I couldn't stop laughing (not very sensitive of me I know).

Mum, Jenny, me and Debbie

Me, Jenny and Debbie (below; taken shortly before we moved to Australia)

My sister has always been clever with her hands. She has made dolls, teddy bears, done collages, cross-stitch, made clothes and costumes, patchwork etc. All very pinchable LOL...ahhh!! Her latest obsession is papercraft and she makes the most divine cards. She is responsible for me doing both folkart and patchwork...though the cheeky girl has moved on LOL
Jenny is also a crafter, and although she has little time for it, we all love going to the odd craft show together. Looking forward to that soon :)

Well Debs, I hope I haven't embarrassed you too much...I did say the photos were old. I'll give you a big hug when I see you...ok I know that isn't unusual.

Have a wonderful day XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOX

love Sharon

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS

2010-06-09T17:31:00.000+10:00

Adam: he was such a gorgeous little boy

On Wednesday June 2nd (this post has been going in fits and starts) we celebrated a double birthday. Our eldest son was born on DH's 21st birthday...to his amazement (DH that is), I was upset that I hadn't had a chance to buy him a birthday present LOL. Silly me.
Even at 21, I didn't believe in love at first sight...I was sooo wrong. My first sight of my son filled me with an overwhelming rush of love...Wow...who would have thought...me, who thought I didn't have a maternal bone in my body :) Kris was very relieved, he thought I would give birth...then my part would be over as far as I was concerned :)

Adam, still gorgeous :)

Adam is an absolute sweetheart, even if he won't let me tickle him anymore and retaliates by tickling me back...I ask you is that fair :). He's usually (except when he first got his license or perhaps when he's competing against his brother) been sensible and responsible. In primary school, we got caught up in traffic and arrived home after they did...he had left a message on our door saying he and his brother were at a friends' house further down the street. As a matter of fact Kris and I have often thought he's more mature that we are :D How many times have I seen that "Yes Mother" look when he thinks I'm said something silly like I'm not old enough to have you, when clearly he is here :D, but then he has been mistaken for my little brother and on one memorable occasion when Kris and Simon were away as my toyboy...he was not amused to say the least...and I have to confess this was quite a while ago, though his lack of amusement was funny....now I suspect when we are with him, people wonder who Liam's parents are...I feel almost like an instant granny then LOL
When he was a baby he had the most gorgeous pout (shhhh don't tell anyone, but Naomi says he still has it :D). He does have a lovely wife :) His relationship with his brother has had its typical ups and downs as they've grown up. From the infamous "but Simon...", which started shortly after Simon's birth to his surprise at how much he missed his brother when he moved out and went to Sydney. Adam loves coming home to Melbourne, and though he loves to see us all particularly his baby brother, Simon is Melbourne's biggest drawcard :) I look look forward to seeing him or hearing his voice on the phone.

Adam, Simon, Beth and Kris, Blue Mountains 2010
Kris

Oh damm and blast it...blogger has lost half of my post and I cannot remember what I wrote...it wouldn't save and it wouldn't post and the net is superslow cos a certain person went mad on downloading and we are capped at snails pace...Should I complain when its a post saying how much I appreciate him and I do...we have a wonderful computer, he's always updating it and frequently sorts out my problems with it too, but....Well you cannot live with someone and never have them drive you mad. Someone I once knew someone who said that even his (her husband's breathing) was driving her mad at the moment LOL. BTW, I've just reread this and I hope you realise its not just the computer I appreciate him for.

Kris & I congratulating Adam on his wedding day LOL

Kris and I have been married for 28 years...in that time I've decided women only nag because men don't listen, men like to be appreciated for picking up a everything, but for women its expected and women are the stronger sex, because they keep going even when they are sick, whereas men are dying LOL. Now I'm sure its just a sniffle and if he's sooo sick why is he on the computer LOL. Now I'm sure I drive him crazy too, but on the whole things are good. He's funny, bright and cuddly and passionate about flight simulator and anything else he's interested in...like Simon he doesn't do things by halves...also like Simon (maybe worse), when he doesn't like something or is not interested you know about it. He has always been great with the boys, whom he adores...as a matter of fact he is doing a musicking therapy programme with Liam today :) Our children are his pride and joy (and mine too :)) Though he did experience some difficulty letting them go as they grew up as Adam can best attest :)
As for me, perhaps my favourite times are when we are having a chat...preferably in bed at the end of the day when Liam is asleep...its so warm and comfortable and intimate :) I miss him just thinking about it.

Latest photo of the 5 of us...as you can see Liam was not in the mood and he doesn't ever fake it :D

We got Naomi to take this photo while we were all in Sydney at the last minute of course :)

Happiest times are together

Lots of love, Sharon

Giveaway Winner

2010-06-01T08:15:00.000+10:00

Well better late than never I guess....I couldn't seem to get the random.org widget working on my page...
I went to the site...chose a colour layout, copied the code and pasted onto a post I was preparing (looked like gobblydook to me; so I previewed it....cool...inserted numbers, but would it save...NO! Arrgggghhh.
So after a few more tries, I decided to make use of Liam random....but he arrived home from school somewhat out of sorts....it didn't help that I had lost track of time, suddenly saw it was 4.03 pm(he arrives about 4.00pm ish)...had to turn off the stove (well he has arrived over 10 mins later than this). Saw the bus as soon as I got to the steps. Oopppps am I in trouble with the little one. He was a little sullen...knocked over a couple of dining table chairs and got all tearful. My fault really :(
He was also hungry ( not a mood improver). He was better about 5 mins later, but still a trifle unstable, so I decided not to risk Liam random.org
BTW it didn't stop him having a party in the middle of the night...he was quite cold when he got into bed with us and wasted no time burrowing into its depths. He was Mr. Snoozy this morning...he suckle snoozed his milk, I dressed him in bed...then transferred him to Daddy...where he snuggled in and started snoring. Still he seemed happy enough to get up and go to school.

I've just gone to the random.org site, put in me numbers and generated the winning number.
Anyway without further ado the winner is Comment No#5
Ok will just check who this is :) Angelina said...

yes, congrats to you. blogging is fun. living in a country with little personal connections, i feel blogging is a social outlet for myself.
xx

May 23, 2010 4:32 AM

So Angelina if you send me your snail address this lovely kit will be winging its way to you.

Hugs, Sharon

25

2010-05-29T11:03:00.000+10:00

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS

Gosh its hard to believe that this young man, about to be married, a marketing manager, new home owner is that cheeky little boy with the messiest room (except perhaps my craft room...well maybe not as his room was a bit of a black hole LOL). Perhaps thats why he lost so many things :). I know, I had to replace them, find them and clean up his room when he vacated...though I miss him too :)
A teacher once asked to see one of his parents about his lack of organizational skills (that didn't work out so well as DH fell asleep on the couch instead of going....needless to say she never asked again :D)

It has been a wonderful 25 years though. He's made me laugh and made me cry (sometimes joy and sometimes anger too). He's very intelligent, affectionate, sensitive, passionate and charming (fortunately a lot more than he realises) and sometimes thats half the trouble as he cruised through school and uni. His prep teacher said that you just couldn't stay mad with him for long and people have often been drawn to him because of his passion. When he is interested in something ( be it sport, music or some other task) it is wholeheartedly, if not well .... We used to call him Bruce (McAcvaney, a sports commentator) as he has an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of sports of interest (tennis & F1 especially). The highlight of his time with the Olympic band in Sydney 2000 was "I stood next to the second fastest man in the world and got to speak to Andrew Gaze (Australian basketballer)...he was pumped. This passion has extended itself into the work arena as well.
And how many tennis racquets did he break?! :)...he was always a bit a a perfectionist when it came to his sport...frequently managing to defeat himself in the process. I threatened to disqualify him once and then introduced a fine system...if he lost his temper too many times he had to buy me a book...what do I get he asked...you get to not buy me a book LOL. He got into remote control racing, even getting sponsorship and travelling overseas and entertaining the crowd between events at the Commonwealth games in Melbourne (Mum! it felt great having this huge stadium cheer on my remote car...) He also wrote articles in a remote control car racing magazine and set up a web site. On the funny side, on one trip to an interstate meet, rather odd noises were coming from the toilet....he was cleaning an engine as well as....... :D
He has listened to me when I've been in tears, he has changed Liam's nappy: once rescuing his brother and Naomi in the process (Adam had torn of the side tabs), he has got cross and worried with us when we haven't let him know where we are or he cannot communicate with us (most famously with his brother and SIL when they were on their honeymoon LOL).

Beth, Simon, Adam & Naomi at the Blue Mountains (Easter 2010)

I remember when the boys were little and had been fighting...I would stop them and demand they tell me 10 things that were good about their brother...there was usually stony silence, then we had to reduce the number of things they had to say (they were now allies :). Eventually they got sneaky saying "he has me for a brother" :D
Of course now that they both have mature brains (apparently brains do not mature until you are 25 LOL) they have no problems admitting how important they are to each other :).

Naturally Kris and I adore them, warts and all :)

BTW, I haven't forgotten the giveaway...will do it on Sunday my time as I just wanted to do this post first...hopefully Google won't let me down as it won't save.

Give your children a hug whenever they let you :)
Hugs, Sharon

Blogaversary Giveaway...well 1 year, 1 month and 1day LOL

2010-05-16T10:09:00.000+10:00

This is a piccie of my giveaway... its a pincushion kit, that was part of the pincushion of the month club a couple of years ago. I love the material, the ribbon and the especially the little rose pin that goes on top (seriously thought about keeping it :), but it doesn't really fit my personality...I'm not a prettily, softly pink and green female...in fact I rarely even wear a dress or skirt (poor Kris LOL)....so I thought it should go to a more deserving home. Just leave a message here if you are interested :)

Just over a year ago I started my blog...I had mentioned (in passing) being interested in doing one to my younger sister. Fatal mistake LOL...next thing I knew she had me on the computer...saying well what do you want to call it... :). My sister doesn't allow me to procrastinate over stuff she thinks will benefit me...and she is sooo right. For although I can be a little careless at times, blogging has been wonderful for me. I have met some fabulous people and I can honestly say blogland is on the whole a wonderfully generous, supportive and inspiring land. It allowed me to connect and re-connect to people again. And laugh...some of you are soooo funny. What can be better than laughter, inspiration and friendship!

Is been a big year for me...blogging being one of the best, Liam started school (and he loves it), Adam and Simon bought their first homes and I've even got a social life again YEAH. Then there's been the little things...a new lounge suite (does anyone know how annoying it is not to have a couch to lie on for a months), a new oven (we hadn't had one for a year or so after the one we had failed...we needed it for Christmas dinner), Liam's trampoline (it only sat in its box for 5 or 6 months). Adam noted on his last visit home that it had been the most change he had seen here for
years LOL And next year, according to the child I once was, I will be officially "old"... think I will have to review that...it always seemed so far away before. Hey I'm not even a grandmother yet...shhhhdon't let the boys hear me say that...I jokingly asked Simon if I should put an order in for one for my next birthday...tee hee hee. Thought better of teasing Adam though. Afterall I do have Liam :D
BTW...as you can see Liam likes the trampoline, especially if Kris or me is in there too...not to mention the good looking (eye contact) we get :)

Hope you all have had a fun year,

Hugs, Sharon

2010-05-10T16:27:00.000+10:00

Once upon a time in a far distant land, on May 10th, a little girl was born. Here she is at one and at 5 weeks with her mother.

Over time she ended up on the far side of the planet. She has had good days and mad days and sad days and trips to Mars and other adventures along the way. Did I mention dogs, birds, friends, fish, sisters, sons and a husband (not necessarily in that order :). She is loved and loves (sometimes her family think she overdoes the affection...one son tried to put her on a hug ration...he would have loved a finish box LOL).... and experienced devastating loss and wild joy.
She has started a blog...and neglected it, managed to miss her blogaversary (well where did April go? ...then seemed to not know where to start and had her camera lost (I blame himself...he says it was my camera ergo....lets not go there, its gone gone gone).
Today started with an extended koala snuggle from my little love, and emails from my sister and eldest son. I hadn't expected Adam to do that, so I felt quite touched. It continued with a day out with my beloved. Simon& Beth brought over dinner last night for Mothers Day and my birthday. Its been a good day.

BTW, I will sort out the blogaversary....how about I year and one month....just need a camera for the giveaway :)

Hugs, Sharon

Edit. I won a giveaway today...hows that for perfect timing. I won a gorgeous Moo quilt from the talented Nina Lise. You can find her here...she well worth a look :)

Ladybirds and cars

2010-04-01T09:47:00.000+11:00

I thought I would share some photos I took of Liam watching the Grand Prix.

And this is what I am working on at the moment...I hand stitch on the applique pieces so this is keeping me busy.

Have a lovely Easter everyone,
Hugs, Sharon

Yummy !

2010-03-31T19:41:00.001+11:00

Lynette Anderson is having a fabulous giveaway here of her latest creation. I just love this quilt. It has cross-stitch, stitchery and applique and is in yummy colours and its a yummy Christmas design. Shhh don't tell Kris, he thinks I have enough xmas stuff already LOL
It would be wonderful if someone I knew or me (well I did say I love this one) won these patterns.

Good luck

Hugs, Sharon

Yellow Sunshine

2010-03-30T11:14:00.000+11:00

Gorgeous yellow fat quarters from Quiltsoup

These are the ones I had won on Quiltsoup...well I got busy and forgot to show you...admittedly there was a delay due to Barbara not getting my address...email is not always reliable :). So here they are...as you can see they are quite varied.

She also included patterns of her quilts using her fabric ranges. They do look lovely and fresh.

Must go...I'm supposed to meet Kris for lunch and only Liam is dressed :)

Hugs, Sharon

Edit: For those who are interested, the pattern on the right is free. You can download it from the Henry Glass fabrics site or Quiltsoup here. The Quiltsoup site also has a kit for this pattern if you are interested.

Sleepover!!!

2010-03-28T16:34:00.000+11:00

Well I'm organised (I think) for tonight's sleep study. I have my toiletries packed and the clothes I'll need tomorrow. I've also got a book "Suite Francaise" and a Christmas redwork stitchery by Joy Coey :) Lights out at 10.30pm (Kris would freak out)
Kris is dropping me off, though if the Grand Prix goes over time, I may be late. He also thinks he will be picking me up in the morning, but I am not so sure...Kris is not a morning person and he rarely organises Liam. I kind of wish I could be a fly on the wall. Fortunately there is a train station just across the road :)

Actually speaking of the racing...when the V8s were about to start, Liam dragged his father down to the lounge room to watch. He stood right in front of the TV excitedly clasping his hands to his mouth. Then the race started and Liam is jumping up and down in excitement. He lost interest at the end of the race during the talky talky phase, but I'm sure he'll be back for the Grand Prix. He also enjoyed the skiing and other racing fast events during the Olympics. Even its moving fast, Liam loves it :) Stationary cars are so boring LOL.

As for the sleeping, I'm a little uncertain about that as I am a light sleeper and then there will be all those wires attached to me...also how am I supposed to use the facilities during the night with those things attached. Kris has just told Adam that they better find something. Men!

So I hope you all sleep well tonight...I wonder if Liam will party tonight Hmmm.

Hugs, Sharon

Giveaway

2010-03-24T14:38:00.000+11:00

Abbey Lane quilts are having a wonderful giveaway. You could win one of these Abbey bags, which is basically a pincushion attached to a scrapbag...great for when you are sitting comfyly stitching. You can enter here. Your could also win the choice of one or three of their own designs. Just a little note here, their website will not open under mozilla firefox (internet explorer worked just fine though).
The prize is drawn on Monday so don't delay :)

Which of course reminds me my blog anniversary is coming up at the end of April...better start thinking about how I will celebrate :)

Hugs, Sharon

2010-03-22T15:24:00.000+11:00

I have a lot to be thankful for. My sons are happy, the weather is beautiful and Liam is on his way home from school. Soon I will be popping outside with a book and a drink and enjoying the sun until the bus arrives. It is perhaps the best part of the day...though sinking into a snuggly bed is pretty good too or the snuggly warm qwerring cuddles I get first thing in the morning (qwerr is Liam's word...its a happy, contented word...i think we all need a word like qwerr)
He is very happy at school...in fact when I popped in an hour or so after dropping him off, he was less than impressed to see me (he has a very expressive face)...sort of what are you doing here, its not time to go yet! He has a marvelous teacher, who I instantly trusted. You know how you sometimes get that feeling about people...it rarely lets you down. I told her today that i though she was doing a wonderful job with Liam as I don't think we tell people enough when we we appreciate what they are doing. Its a shame we are more likely to complain than praise.
I also have to tahnk our relatives, all of whom have accepted Liam without question. This was brought home to be by 2 different experiences:
Aunty Dot's 80th birthday party where Liam's speech interruption was acknowledged with a laugh and thank you and a lack of negative responses to the throwing of various items in the pool and acceptance of such things as a need to lock the front door
The other story concerned a friend of mine, who has a sibling who didn't invite her children because of these same sort of things.

On another matter entirely I am also fortunate as I have won a prize on Kellie's Don't Look Now blog. I always enter any giveaway on her blog as I am yet to see one I haven't wanted...and I have bought a few of her designs too.

Anyway I better go , the bus should arrive in the next 10 mins. How lovely to have my gorgeousness back...well at least until he starts to drive me crazy again LOL

Lots of hugs,
Sharon

This and that and Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Suds

2010-03-11T13:38:00.000+11:00

Hello,
It seems the last few weeks have just been well out of the ordinary I guess. I have managed to get behind on my emails and blog-reading and blogging (even housework...but we won't mention that LOL)

I received this lovely package fromBronwyn Haye s...the prize I had won in her giveaway wrapped up in this gorgeous red brolly paper...how divine is that :)

We had the mystery of the roses.

"So whats with the roses by the front door" said he
"What roses, what are you talking about?"
"The ones by the front door" he said somewhat exasperated
So I looked and there was a lovely bunch of red roses and no card...how mysterious.
"Where did they come from" said I "there is no note or card
"Perhaps you have a secret admirer" said he
"Who!! " said I as I laughed, "I'm usually hanging out with a bunch of other women."
"Did you get them for me?" I asked as inspiration struck
"NO" said he
"Come on...it has to be you...stop mucking about"
"I wasn't me" he said crossly "I don't do Valentine's Day, because of your father"
"...but its not Valentines Day...is there anything special about the 16th?"
"Not that I can think of" said he
Giggling as I put them in flowers I said "Do you suppose some poor guy will wonder whats happened to the roses he sent to his girl....maybe the real ownerwill come knocking on the door asking for them"

We rearranged Liam's bedroom. He had decided right from the word go that he was not sleeping with his head at that end of the bed (where the bedhead was)...so we had been stuffing stuff under his change table at the foot of the bed to stop him losing his pillows :)

So we've moved Liam's bed around...now he cannot pull the blind out and leave it open...or so we thought. As you can see the solution is not totally Liam-proof, but at least it looks better.

Liam has settled nicely into school and is now even catching the bus home. Kris wants to start him on mornings, but I'm not sure yet. Now is that because of Liam or my social life LOL...guess I've settled in pretty well too. I was chatting with a couple of friends "til gone 10am this morning...well we had decided not to have coffee :), afterall we had had the coffee club yesterday, which finished so late we went on to lunch as we had to be back at school for a 1.15pm meeting. Some of the other coffee club members came too which was pretty cool. As I wasn't driving until 3.00pm, I indulged in a glass of wine...which went straight to my head. We are also going to get-together for lunch on Friday with a friend who went to Irabina with us, but whose son goes to a different school. So that will be really good as we haven't seen her for ages. So apart from this decadent lifestyle, what have I been doing...well we were off sick for a week...so just made Kris' aunt's 80th birthday and Simon & Beth's housewarming.
This is Kris' Aunt Dorothy, with friends and cutting the cake.
Liam is amused by his father's and cousins' antics in the pool.

This had all started beacuse Liam with his water obsession had managed to get half a leg into the water and lets face it it was easier for Kris to borrow somthing than me. Ironically Kris had been quite reluctant, though he ended up enjoying playing with the boys.
Liam"s keeness had dissolved on realising how cold the water was cold (Liam does not like the cold one bit)...so didn't want to go near it for a while. Mind you by the time we left he had managed to throw in some bottle tops (which his cousins' retrieved), several cubes of ice and a vase of flowers (the flowers were rescued but the vase remained at the bottom of the pool )as no one was willing to get it at that time)

Here's Simon with his crutches after playing tennis...as he said, his body wanted to do a backhand and his brain wanted to do a forehand, with the result that he went down with a few cracking noises...fortunately he hadn't broken anything, but his leg did swell to twice its normal size by the next day. The housewarming went really well with a little help in the BBQ department from his uncle and father.

Yes but have you done any craft...well a little. I did have a sore wrist for a while (actually don't think that made must difference).

There are these 9 patch blocks I made for Lyn for Ilene's quilt...she and her daughter are going through a difficult time...
and the bag for the SUDs Wishing Well...I just thought it might be nicer than putting it in a card :).

The bag I made for Vikki (of So Useful Designs) & Scott's wedding. You will have to excuse the blurry first photo ( I managed to smear the lens)
The only problem was getting it through the letterbox hole...I may have damaged the wrapping paper LOL
I designed the bag with a little help from Nora (what do I do think? and how do I do it?) :). Nora is great. I also used a design by Jenny of Elefantz on one side and on the other I used the heart applique from one of her designs and added some stitchery of my own. The great thing was it would go well with the ring cushion Jenny had made for the occasion :) in style anyway, if not colour.

So last Friday, I dosed myself up for Vikki's wedding. It was a lovely day and the rain kindly held off. They were so happy. Vikki looked stunning.

Aaron & Rosie, their children (top far left)

Vikki & her brother, Dennis (who came over from England to give her away

Marg (Scott's Mum) and granddaughter, Rosie
Site of the ceremony

The Newlyweds

Vikki & Scott

A hug for Ron (new father-in-law)

Scott's parents

The radiant bride (this beautiful felted shawl and rose on the bag was made by close friend, Narelle...she is a fabulously talented lady

I hope you like the photos of the wedding. It was a lovely occasion for all of us family and friends.

Lots of love,
Sharon

Absentee

2010-03-01T12:54:00.000+11:00

I've been a little absent lately...settling Liam into school, socialising during the day no less ...wow I had almost forgotten what that was like LOL. We've also had an 80th birthday and Simon's house-warming (even though he tried to break his ankle at tennis...fortunatley its not broke, but the its still very sore). Both he and his brother moved into their first homes respectively (within a week of each other). Its been busy and I'm only home today as we all got sick :(
I've spent most of the morning checking up my blogroll...still a few comments to make...but a girl's got to have lunch :) and I was delayed when I had to spend valuable time looking for the mouse (Liam nicked it when I went to make him lunch, so I guess he's feeling a little better :)
It was lovely reading what you have all been up to though :). My wrist is still a bit sore, but hope to be stitching soon :)
Thought I had better explain though...and I will get to replying to my emails, they are of value to me :) and I am certainly going to follow some words of wisdom :) left in them.
Anyway, I'm going to make me some lunch and try and find out where DH left the camera :)

Lots of hugs,
Sharon

To err is human, to forgive divine: so accept my apologies :),

2010-02-10T09:47:00.000+11:00

An Apology

Hi Everyone, I need to share an embarrassing mistake I've made. For those who have read that I won Franchelle's Sonoma Fat Quarters Contest, I was wrong. I misinterpreted a message she left on my blog kindly congratulating me on my Quiltsoup fat quarter win.
So the good news is the competition is still on, so hop on over to her site and leave a comment here, but scroll down to her Feb ruary 2nd post. I've sure she would love to hear from you too, especially as she too is feeling bad about this situation. She is a lovely generous lady who offerred to send me a few fat quarters to compensate for the misinterpretation as she can she how it happened. Needless to say I do not believe that is necessary as I should have verified the information first. So the mistake was just one of those unfortunate things we humans do every now and then.

I hope you all forgive me :)

BTW I still consider myself a fortunate person.

Hugs,
Sharon

3 x lucky in so many ways

2010-02-08T22:46:00.000+11:00

If luck comes in threes, I used mine up and I couldn't be happier. I have had the absolute cheek to win another giveaway (thanks to a tip from Natalie Ross) and I don't even know what the fabric looks like :), but judging by Franchelle's first collection , I am one very lucky lady. She designs for Henry Glass fabrics. As it doesn't come out until May, I should have plenty of time to plan what to do with it. Actually May is a rather serendipitous time really :)

BTW the lovely Natalie is also having a giveaway on her blog. So check it out here.

BTW Kris just read part of the first line (before I changed tabs on him) and he said "Oh you are talking about your 3 boys...Hey you have me too, you lucky bitch"....how could I tell him it was about winning giveaways...He is right you know. I am lucky and I do adore my boys...YES, even Him LOL

So give someone you love a hug and remember you are lucky to have them and they are lucky to have you. "All you need is love love, love is all you need...., but winning a giveaway is pretty nice too :D

Hugs to all,
Sharon

Good Fortune and First Homes

2010-02-05T15:15:00.000+11:00

Was it yesterday I mentioned my good fortune...for anyone who didn't click on the hyperlinks, I won fat quarters (in red, green, blue, yellow or pink ...won't know which 'til they arrive) from Barbara of Quiltsoup and one of Bronwyn Hayes patterns on her Australia Day giveaway. I almost missed entering this one too and you know how much I love her designs. So the Teahouse and some lovely fat quarters should be winging its way here. I feel very fortunate and lucky indeed. Hey I can't claim I don't win anything anymore can I LOL.

These 2 Photos are from the Quiltsoup blog and the Red Brolly blog.

Which reminds me, Bronwyn is putting up free cat patterns here so that other people can make a cat quilt just like Rita did. I can imagine certain cat lovers I know loving this idea :)
I am Sharon L F on typepad as I that was the only way I could leave messages on Typepad blogs... I was getting quite frustrated, so I still have that id because even though I have my own blog, it still doesn't like me leaving a comment from Stitches on Mars.

I've been vacuuming couches today. The one outside under the verandah was especially dusty...you would not believe what I found...OK there was the odd coin, wrapper, tissue and chocolate...even the pen and teaspoon perhaps I could explain, but remote controls (in both couches no less) LOL And NO, the outside couch was bug-free, but that leaf litter gets everywhere...no wonder we have an aerial garden in our gutters *vbg*

Simon and Beth are taking them to their new home. They are moving into their first house today. They are very excited, needless to say :) so as we've been meaning to get a new lounge suite (even though there is nothing wrong with this one...it just doesn't fit anymore), we told them they could have it. So tonight we will be left with 2 chairs...do you think it will take 2 years to replace our lounge suite (like the oven) LOL.

So why am I blogging instead of helping...well, Liam didn't have school today and much as we all adore him, things will run a lot more smoothly without him. As it was he almost visited the neighbours...I did tell him the girls would be at school... and attempted to go down the steps (he would have seen the car and refuse to leave it and i was not in the mood for that battle) while I was vacuuming outside. Still I got most of it done before I was discovered.

Just like this post really...Liam has just found me out...and is merrily dropping an orange plastic thingy in my lemon cordial...he then pulls it out, drops it again and sucks the liquid off his fingers.
He will NOT drink out of the glass though, not even if its pure coke (his favourite drink)...
He gets quite excited doing this, but as you can imagine its a somewhat messy exercise LOL

Doesn't he look cute here gazing at the TV.

Hugs,
Sharon

Liam's first day, a bit of craft and good fortune :)

2010-02-04T10:59:00.000+11:00

Liam at home in his school uniform. First Day!

Liam started school on Monday. He went there on Monday and Wednesday morning.

On the way to school with Mummy (notice where his school hat is :)

Liam in the classroom with Daddy and the teacher's aide

Why can't I write a blog or email without my precious climbing up behind me, giving me a cheeky grin, a cuddle and putting his hands over my eyes (love it really :).
Hey at least he didn't kick me off LOL, but I had to laugh when I turned around to see him disappear up the hallway with my snack. Should I follow him?...
He was sitting on the couch with 2 of my corn thins...giving them the odd lick then putting them down. I had to smile at the expression on his face, but at least he showed a willingness to try something new :). So I decided to make myself a cup of tea and him some toast :)

Anyway back to Liam's schoolday....he definitely knew something was going on and was excited. Mummy was organising a bag, Daddy was taking photos (perhaps a little tedious :) and we we were all going out in the car. Liam absolutely loves going in the car and he usually knows where we are going. he starts getting excited when he realises this way goes to Poppa's house or this is the way we go to Sydney (he does calm down though as he knows Sydney is a long way, but there are excitement points along the way :)

He had a lovely morning at the school, but as usual was as pleased to see us as we were him. We felt very comfortable leaving him there. It is so nice not to feel you have to explain :) Though we were AMAZED to see him wearing his school hat

almost had pencils in my tea just then

How did you do that we gasped? At which point he took it off...LOL. I guess Mum and Dad are a soft touch. Ahhh he's such a typical child sometimes :)

Oops he has gone off with a triumphant giggle. I'll just remove the pencil. He's baaack. He's persistent , but my hand is firmly on top of my mug. Right! he's climbed in behind me again LOL
His foot is tangled...and its all my fault. Ok have got him out and despite be stopping him throwing a handful of stuff in my tea, I am getting gleeful hugs and a kiss (much nicer than the smack in the face).

Wednesday morning I heard Liam go out the front door...I dashed out and grabbed him...Liam we have to put on your shoes first. As I was bringing him in I heard my neighbour's daughter yelling: "Mummy we have to go now...we have to go to school now. Mummmmm..." I had to laugh as in his own way Liam may have been doing the same thing. We Mums can be so slow sometimes LOL

Oh damm he did succeed. Whats this yellow plastic thing in my mug...no wonder he left. Imp!!!! LOL

While he was at school on Wednesday I had coffee with a couple of other Mums, which was lovely. L, trying to be helpful knocked one of the coffees over, then there was confusion as to what had been ordered and apparently the latte doesn't come in a mug. Our poor waiter!. Guess we couldn't blame our sons huh LOL
Then I went to a couple of craft shops (my favourite variegated red is out of stock...it not even showing up as being on a ship bound for Australia...still at least it hasn't been deleted :). Now that would have been bad.

I found this when I was looking for something else...I had joined up the pinwheels (from an earlier post) and put the border on before Christmas...Have yet to decide whether to continue with the Moda bakeshop cot quilt or make it bigger. It may depend on fabric availability though. Had meant to check yesterday.

I have also finished this stitchery...so need to decide on the fabrics.

When we went out for my FIL's birthday, my SIL returned my lost quilt. He had apparently been in the cupboard all along :)....so i took it outside for a photo as it had looked a little dull in the inside photo I had of it.
The designer is Toni Alexander of Red Boot Quilts. Its been lovely meeting her through blogland :)

OH as to my good fortune...I'll explain later as Liam is making abandoned child noises. Poor thing. It involves here and here.

Hugs to all...I'm going off to hug my poor neglected child :)

Sharon

2010-01-31T10:14:00.000+11:00

Edit...this isn't the photo chosen, but it is one where he's pinched a bag of potato chips/crisps...a new food item (healthy of course arrgh...should I be pleased or not)
This was the photo we chose of Liam for his medical sheets (the one to the far left)...each year we have to fill out allergy, anaphylaxis and asthma plans for the schools he is attending...this requires chasing him arouund the house with a camera to get a nice updated photo of him and a visit to the doctors with said forms :) .
He starts school tomorrow morning, so I better get those labels on his clothes.

This is his uniform stuff.
While he was having fun at his morning holiday programme sessions, another Mum & I finished off the uniform shopping...so much nicer doing it with someone else. It was also lovely to catch up with her and a couple of other Mums.

Kris went to the tennis with Simon & Beth...it was wet and sunny with a touch of hail, but they had Hi-Sense tickets for those moments :)

This was one of those moments umbrellas everywhere :)

A giant tennis ball :)

Liam has just climbed onto my chair, so I'm perched right on the edge...I expect to be pushed any time soon :).

The lovely lad slept in to 8.30 am this morning, so I have a much more sunny disposition to day, though No I didn't get to have a nap...Simon popped over after his tennis (which was lovely) and we went out for dinner for my FIL's birthday...so it was a long day.
BTW, I do love my morning snuggles from Liam (just prefer them a tad later) and I often enjoy chatting to Kris in bed, especially in the winter, when I can "suck heat" as he says :), but I do tend to fall asleep though :)
I also did the groceries and went to weight watchers...I'm still ahead LOL...didn't put the whole lot back on...Michelle said she would be good if I was (didn't know about dinner at the time) and we shook on it. Don't know who is more worried LOL.

Meanwhile with Kris hogging the computer lately, I only seem to be able to get on it in the morning. Did he have to put his ship sim on this computer? So he has been wandering the oceans with the Titanic...should I hope he sinks it :D

Oooohh am getting pushed...be right back...

Back again...it turned out the laundry was finished...you could almost feel them drying as they were put out...its hot and windy today. Mind you this time last year, the lack of green was depressing. The sun had been so searingly hot during January, that with no rain...it was scorched brown outside.

I've also done some crafting...I found these while I was going through some of my stuff...and have been finishing off the stitchery. Well I couldn't decide whether to do the colour version or the redwork one.

I've also stitched together these swell & sweet jelly roll strips...just need to organise fabric for the applique. I have the blue and red, should have black...

I've also got out my Shabby Roses fabrics...not sure how I'm going to do the backgrounds yet as I chose variegated fabric :) and have traced the applique pieces.

I've also started the side blocks for this table-runner...aren't the fabrics just gorgeous. Adam & Naomi bought me this kit while in Canada (where they got engaged)

Anyway better go have a shower and get dressed..naughty me slothing around in my pjs :)
Will catch up with my emails as soon as I can...Kris may get to the computer again soon as he is awake (pre-midday no less LOL). In the meantime thanks for the lovely comments on my little rant.

Hugs to all,
Sharon

A little rant

2010-01-30T07:18:00.000+11:00

Its 7.15 am, his lordship is now firmly back in orbit, having gone back to his bed after waking me up (pre-dawn...I ask you is that fair?), falling asleep in my bed after a snuggle and gradually and so gently (not) easing me out of bed as he tried to get comfy. Children like all the bed space they can get LOL. I had gazed on his sleeping form and decided to get up and sneak off to his room. This kid has mummy radar, so was up in a flash, annoyed that I had the cheek to use the bathroom before organising his milk :).
After his milk and a nappy change he took himself back off to bed...I pottered around (knowing he would be up real soon if I dared go back to bed...bit like a mozzie who dive bombs you on the verge of blessed oblivion)...so I went to the computer instead.
Oh good its still silent I can go back to bed...so off went the computer, back went his blind, when responsible thoughts had the audacity to enter my head...well perhaps you should have breakfast, go do the groceries and go to weight watchers (not sure why I am bothering, having found every cake, biscuit, the Lindt choc flakes (for hot chocs, but lovely on a spoon) and dare I say the cooking chocolate. Well so much for giving up chocolate...I lasted almost 2 weeks LOL
So breakfast is finished and instead of getting myself organised or going back to bed I've been playing spider solitaire, reading a couple of blogs and blogging.
Anyway better go and do the right thing (big martyr sigh here LOL) and get ready to go.

Oh "hello" I think I hear movement afoot.

I do wish those martians in my life would get their act together...I want some routine... (hey we all have autistic traits). I don't want to be woken up at the crack of dawn and kept up or woken at night by little men (or even my beloved sons and others who all know Kris is up late so they can ring him) or their father who plays noisy games (even flight sim is loud), listen to music or merely read pp rune or flight sim stuff next to me in bed and if I dare move enlighten me as to their latest discovery. I"M NOT INTERESTED....I want TO SLEEP...thats what night is for. Why do they think its dark. What about circadian rhythms?
YES, I heard what you said...it was...No, I wasn't falling asleep (blatant lie ;) I don't quite understand why quality chatting time has to occur after I've gone to bed to sleep. Maybe its because I'm not talking so much... :)

'Course I cannot always blame them (do I have to be fair? LOL)...I have been watching the tennis, then sometimes I get too hot/cold too sleep or my mind starts screaming off on ever incresingly obscure, irrelevant tangents that seem to think they are more important than sleep.

So her comes Liam...Kris wants to sleep as he was up until the wee hours and I have the shopping to do and before Kris has to go to work...but he hasn't slept.

OOOhhhhh...I feel a few naughty word coming on LOL

Have been discovered, climbed on (the chair alaramingly swinging back...this boy is getting heavy LOL), cuddled and gwerred at and presented with a remote control. He is now back, after standing in the doorway smiling at me. How can I resist such a cute little munchkin...better go before he gets upset.

He is sooooo adorable!

Hugs to all,
Sharon

Contrary Weather

2010-01-18T19:38:00.000+11:00

Those of us that live in Melbourne, know of its reputation for experiencing 4 seasons in one day. Well today we had rain, hail, sun and even snow in the alps (all in the middle of January). The heater has decided to misbehave, so while we can still cool the house down, remaining warm may prove to be an unexpected problem LOL
Hard to believe we were trying to keep cool this time last week. Even with air con, our house hovered around 30 oC that day, but at least it was working and was significantly cooler than outside's 43.
I have done a little bit of sewing, though I may unsew a few strips (when I find the unpicker that is). I spent a lovely morning with a friend from Irabina, while our kids were in the holiday programme (buying shorts and socks for them :D) and having a coffee. What possessed me to pick an iced frappe...my poor teeth sent me a sustained complaint :)
Meanwhile my DH was at the tennis with our son and his fiance. Didn't envy them a bit *tee hee hee* Oh and he took the camera...so no piccies, that is unless you want to see why I've gone back to weight watchers. The swimsuit shots from our excursion to the beach would have no risk of being in a swimsuit magazine LOL. Not that I cared at the time, afterall I was having fun with my little mischief. So will I do it again. Sorry folks, you will just have to avert you eyes LOL

Aww...why when DH rebuilds the computer can I not find some things? I was going to post a couple of Liam (not me) at the beach, but they've gone somewhere?

Hugs, Sharon

Wrap up and a long overdue thanks

2010-01-11T14:42:00.000+11:00

These are 3 little friends I brought home this year.
Tell me why is round and fat cute as long as its not human ?

Well its the 11th of January ( and very hot) and it really feels like the new year has begun with Kris being back at work and a visit to the specialist (just a check up really) and of course I have to organise the rest of Liam's school uniform and other school necessities soon.
Its going to feel funny him heading off to school. I so many ways, he is not ready for primary school as I think of it. In other ways he is more than ready to go. I don't remember being slightly anxious when my other sons went to school (though that was a long time ago :D)

Anyway I thought I'd show the other xmas things I had made, but not posted. There is the Christmas stockings I made for our neighbours (the tree with chocolate inside of course) and one I made for my friend Nora (with a cat inside the redwork santa as she adores cats...not a real one *vbg*)

Both stitcheries are by Bronwyn Hayes. They are both part of her "Girls' Christmas Party Quilt" published in Australian Homespun No.32, Vol.6.5
I have also done the tree in redwork :), which I really like, but haven't photographed.

The pattern for the stocking was in Nancy Halvorsen's book "Happy Holidays to You" ( I had made some of her designs, namely the santa and angel stockings for a previous Christmas.)

I also made these lovely hearts called by Vikki (sew useful designs). The were a free pattern on the Among the Gumtrees blog. You can get it here.
I didn't finish them in time, so I have made a start for next Christmas (though I will keep one :D) . I also intend to do more :)

A long overdue apology and thanks to Sarah Fielke (the last piece & Sewn).

She sent me these just before Christmas as second prize giveaway win. I was so surprised as I didn't know until I opened it. They are these 2 lovely patterns by Gail Pan & Leanne's House. She also included a lovely note thanking me for my support ( I can be negligent at times :-))
Things had gotten really busy around that time and with me having to clear out my craft room so people could eat there, I totally forgot. I know excuses , excuses !!!

So sorry Sarah, please forgive me and thanks for the gorgeous patterns.

Next week Liam has his holiday programme at Irabina, which I know he will love :)
Hey maybe I can find my craft stuff. I know where it is, just not what is where :)

Hugs, Sharon

Gorgeous free BOMs online

2010-01-07T21:20:00.000+11:00

Three lovely ladies are generously sharing their talents with us again this year.

They are Vicki of Tozz's Corner, with her "Flirting with Flowers" BOM which will have at least 6 blocks. She also has a great tutorial on needle turn applique for those who are interested :) You can find it here.

Cheryl of Willowberry Designs BOM is called "Under the Sea" which has 9 different sea views. This is Block 1. Isn't Josephine cute? Cheryl also has a tutorial on doing the pencil colouring she has used to highlight her stitchery:) You can find it here.

Finally and by no means least, Jenny of Elefantz has a 6 month BOM called "Bouquet". She has even included a picture of the finished BOM on her blog here and which fabrics she used, if you want the same look :)

All 3 ladies have posted Block 1 of their respective BOMs. So get them while you can. You will not regret it.

Hope you have fun with these,
Hugs,
Sharon

The Moon

2010-01-06T11:44:00.002+11:00

The moon shone brightly into Liam's face last night.

When the moon's in your eye like a big piece of pie...its amore. No its time to get up, jump on Mummy and play...and cuddle and eat and drink. Why does that silly woman think its sleeping time. Light means daytime, not sleeptime LOL. Its a little hard to argue with such logic *vbg*

Hopefully it will be overcast tonight

Hugs, Sharon

Christmas and a New Year

2010-01-02T16:40:00.001+11:00

Liam & Me (late Christmas Eve

Wow, its 2010...lets hope this year goes a tad slower, then maybe I'll get gifties done by xmas and all the ones I want to do too :).

I awoke this morning to a little body snuggling into me, which would have been more adorable had it not been sooo early and had he been dry. Got me up though, well temporarily anyway LOL. After a few more jumpings on (he gets more persistent and inventive over time), I gave in and stayed up...then went out shopping. Bumped into my Canberra friends (made Erica jump :) They were just getting a few things before their 6 hour journey home...but it was lovely seeing them. They are certainly amongst my favourite people and I got extra hugs. I love hugs!
My sons had little choice but to be cuddly tee hee hee.
Once I was home and Liam had both his parents up and about he nicked off for a sleep...cheeky monkey!!! :D

The Christmas /New year period was very good. After our illness we had 3 days to do the food shopping, make desserts, clean up the house (disaster zone) and decorate it. Kris was suggesting buying a couple of buckets of KFC so people would have something to eat. Now that would have been unfortunate LOL. He was still going on about it when he picked up reinforcements from the airport about 1 am (24th). He had left worrying where they were going to sleep (silly man). The floor was strewn with wrapping paper and gifts, but one needed a break form cleaning up.
So Adam & Naomi arrive about 2 in the morning and were disturbed to find I was still awake as they were worried about my anxiety rising the following day.
I was fine, much to everyone's relief. I think I was too busy to panic...one does need time and energy to throw a decent wobbly don't you think? LOL...besides I've had worse things to worry about this year than whether a tree was up or dinner on time :D Actually it was rather good feeling calm. I recommend it LOL

Adam brought up the tree and Naomi did a lovely job decorating it and I managed to finish clearing out my craft room (without resorting to sheds or ceilings Yeah). Not sure where it all is though. Liam got a little stressed though with all this activity...

Me Kris Kringling. The evening went wonderfully well. Everyone liked their Kris Kringles...the kids were happy with their presents.

Sarah

The newbie (Matt, Sarah's boyfriend) had a lot of fun...almost the life of the party, though he did have serious challengers :).

Katie

Toby, Matt & Sarah

The turkey was cooked, the new oven worked a treat, the flaming of the pudd was repeated due to too few flames (then almost had to be put out as Richard used all the remaining brandy on it) . Liam disappeared into his room for a sleep shortly after everyone arrived (he did join us later and of course didn't want to go to bed after everyone had left)

Sarah (dark figure in hallway), Adam, Jen, Naomi & Richard

Oh and I got (well we got) a new camera for Christmas, a gorgeous copy of Adam & Naomi's wedding album (which they had designed), chocolates (of course), some divine lemon lime biscuits etc and best of all lots of hugs *vbg*.

Naomi & Liam: Christmas day

Though there was the unwanted Christmas Day sunburn, especially Simon, who without a hat and a very short haircut (skinhead...not his best look) was lucky he didn't get sunstroke! We had a BBQ and as there was a cool breeze totally forgot about the UV.

Christmas Day & Emily and Liam

We had fun while we burned LOL. Fortunately Liam was well covered, as were Naomi & Beth, so they were fine :)

"Making Spirits Bright" by Natalie Bird (The Birdhouse), which I made for the Thomas family and
a wallhanging for Beth and Naomi's families featuring the central stitchery from Liz Stanway's (Teddlywinks) "Christmastime for Teddybears"

I finally finished a couple of pressies on the 28th. The Thomas family came over for tennis and afternoon tea. Liam had another snooze.

Simon, Bree(back), Amanda, Erica, David, Clare & me.

They are such a lovely family, I wish we didn't live 6 hours away. It was a great afternoon.

Oh and My lovely niece Nikki turned 2o. Happy Birthday!

On Wednesday we had a BBQ with the boys and their partners, Adam & Naomi packed and flew home to Sydney that evening :( All good things must come to an end, but only temporarilly :)

We also caught up with Jaccoz, a friend (here for a wedding on Sunday) who lives in Korea. Saw Avatar, while the boys babysat Liam (wonderful film, must see it).

Me & Naomi in bushland behind our house

Naomi and I went for a couple of walks up the hill and through the bush. I got very red-faced (my face doesn't sweat due to an allergic reaction several years ago, so I literally glow)
Views like this as well as the feeling of getting away from it all are certainly worth it though.

Liam was happy much of the time. Lots of laughing and playing with his brothers. When Adam left he gave him such a huge cuddle, Adam said "he doesn't want to let me go". Then he let go and rushed back inside (very unlike Liam who likes to stay outside). He knew they were leaving. Its wonderful to see how the three (brothers) get along so well.

2009 had its clouds, but it certainly ended with a silver lining and a glorious thunderstorm light show :)

So now it is 2010, a year of new beginnings.
There will be weddings: good friends of ours (Vikki & Scott), our second son, Simon and Sue's (I purr-furr to craft) daughter. And 21sts: Naomi's brother & Nikki. Simon & Beth are also moving into their first home. My niece, Sarah & her boyfriend are off to Uni. Brianna Thomas will also take her next step after finishing high school and Liam starts primary school.
But before all of that we have the summer holidays :). Very important as here in Oz the only thing that doesn't end at the close of a year is the financial year...so we all feel a little worn out and in need of a summer break :). Its a great way to start a new year.

BTW I didn't see the New Year in... at 11.00pm I wondered what was a thinking, so I went to bed.

Lots of hugs and best wishes to you and yours,
Sharon

2009-12-21T18:47:00.000+11:00

Me & Simon

Last week-end was somewhat unpleasant. It started out all right. We went out for hot chocolate with friends, then on to the playground where Liam and I shared a swing until I got a little motion sick...however that was not to be the end of it as my stomach started to behave like a witches cauldron. Well after a few hours my GIT tract had finally decided it had cleared everything out and was nice and fresh from top to bottom...only I felt like I had been beaten up and it has taken a couple of days to recover.
So my Christmas preparations are delayed...losing 3 days now is not good timing. No the tree isn't up yet. Presents have not been wrapped. Three stitcheries are yet to be completed, but on the bright side I got my hair done today. Perfect timing really as it required little energy from me and allowed me the satisfaction of ticking something off my to do list :)
I guess I've been tuned up and polished inside and out LOL
Kris was also unwell, but fortunately Simon came over Sunday afternoon as he was clearing out his stuff and fed the dogs, cooked Liam's dinner...played with Liam and what touched me most...cleaned up the kitchen (without me even asking). Now wasn't that so sweet. I must have done something right when he was little.

Stay well,
Hugs,
Sharon

Giveaway Winner

2009-12-17T16:49:00.000+11:00

Bet you guys thought I had forgotten.
Well I decided as nobody guessed the correct double that I would do a draw. I put all the numbers ( 1-5 comments) on bits of paper, which I then screwed up and put on a lid. I decided to get Liam to pick the winner. Don't worry, none of the pieces of paper was red :).
I was a little concerned he might grab the lot as he has been mounting a collection of folded and screwed up bits of paper, cardboard and fridge magnets behind a chair in the lounge. This I discovered when leaving the house as they are all clearly visible through the window (also behind the chair).
I did think it may end up being a reverse draw...ie last bit of paper standing, but as it turned out he was somewhat disinterested. It was only when I waggled it in his face that a got a "shoving it out of the way "response. Can't say I blame him. What's this weird woman doing LOL. As he knocked one of them onto the floor, I wondered if this could be considered a pick...then I thought why not! So I picked it up, unscrewed it and there it was No#1 Simone de Klerk
So Simone if you could email me your address I will post Christmas Buckets by Bronwyn Hayes off to you...I hope you enjoy making them for someone for next Christmas :)

BTW I did have photos, but I am having technical difficulties...ie he is at work and the memory card won't go in...I may be doing it all wrong...being a technical nuff nuff

Hugs,
Sharon

Dear Santa

2009-12-17T14:53:00.001+11:00

Dear Santa,

I would love Eden, the fat quarter bundle for Christmas. These colours are different from what I usually choose, so it would be fun to do something completely different.

BTW I think it is lovely that the people at The Fat Quarter Shop are helping you out :)

Hugs,
Sharon

A Little Dilemma and Endings.

2009-12-15T11:52:00.000+11:00

The many faces of Liam (Mt. Evelyn SDS)

Liam had his last day at Mt. Evelyn SDS last Friday. He had a lovely time there and we will all miss the place and staff there. I felt quite sad. One poignant gift from there was a disc with photos of Liam at the SDS set to the song "The Rainbow Connection"

Tomorrow is his last day at Kinder (MECEC). This too has been a wonderful place. I cannot recommend the people there Or at Mt.Evelyn more highly. Both places have been good for me too. In a way I had kind of closed off to the "normal" (how I hate that word) world...afraid of rejection. I couldn't have been more wrong. A few Mums at the Kinder have told me how much they felt their children had benefitted from Liam's presence and how much they had seen him grow. His teacher said he had been a pleasure to have, especially as she had no prior experience of autism and her introduction to Liam was a report that was written to get funding for an aide (and these jump to worse worse case scenario)

Liam and me (he's watching whats going on through the window) . Kris loves this photo.

I have to share a message in a Christmas card we received from a Kinder Mum & her son...
It says :

What a wonderful little man!!
M (her son) just adored Liam this year and I have to say the "moments" I had with him were just gorgeous! he is a darling little boy and I wish
nothing but all the health and happiness in the world for your family.
Keep Smiling - S (her name)

I have to say that Liam's pre-school years, from starting early intervention at 2 to now have been filled with some wonderful people, who have helped Liam, Kris and myself enormously. I have gone from virtually knowing nothing about autism to (the more I've learnt) so much more, yet understanding how little I know. There have been tears, shared laughter, hugs and dismay...yet bonds have been formed that I cherish. The psychologist at Irabina (autism early intervention) once said to me "the best thing we can give you is another parent"...she is soooo right, but at the same time she and others have given so much too, even if at times it has felt like the blind leading the blind ;)

Now for my dilemma
I have 4 people who responded to my last blog. None of them guessed the correct duplicate, though one picked it as her second choice. I'm not sure what I should do with the giveaway under those circumstances. Any ideas? I mean I could send it to the one who picked it second, draw a name out of the hat or....

In the meantime, the camera has been recovered though its battery may be failing.

Give those you love a hug :)
Sharon

Every Cloud and a giveaway

2009-12-09T16:28:00.000+11:00

This week has been difficult, but as they say every cloud has a silver lining. Here's mine :)

I won a giveaway from the delightful people at Modern Retro Textiles. Yeah. I need fireworks here. LOL
As the camera is still missing "sigh" I have had to pinch these images from Modern Retro Textiles blog here. Still enough of that, sighing I mean...I'm sure (hopeful) it will turn up, but in the meantime I have these goodies Woo Hoo

Giveaway: As I have got one of these designs I thought I would share the pleasure with someone else. So I will giveaway the duplicate pattern, but you have to guess which one I've got already :)

Not only that but the lovely Sue Niven of I Purr-Furr to Craft has given me a blog award "big smiles"

Now I believe I have to tell you 10 things about myself.

I have 3 sons, 27, 24 & 5 that I adore
Kris is my one and only love
I love being a mother...sorry boys you are stuck with me :)
I have agoraphobia, but get stir-crazy staying at home
Honesty is very important to me. I hate people who play games
I am a shocking chocoholic, I have been known to pull apart freezers, & dive in cupboard in the search for that elusive chocolate I've attempted to put out of my reach.
I procrastinate, put off, forget & lose things all the time
I am a loyal, if sometimes negligent friend (though I love them dearly)
I'm in the mailbag section of this months issue of Homespun ( a few seconds of fame LOL)
My youngest son has and is making me a better person

and then nominate 10 fellow honest bloggers. JUST 10! NOT FAIR
Well here goes (in no particular order)

http://oneredrobin.com
http://vintagericrac.blogspot.com/
http://pumpkinpatchprimitivequiltshoppe.blogspot.com/
http://sue-niven.blogspot.com/
http://questioningautism.blogspot.com/
http://theredbootquiltcompany.blogspot.com
http://dontlooknow.typepad.com/dont_look_now
http://www.auntycookie.com/blog
http://debbiepsplace.blogspot.com
http//gumtreedesigners.blogspot.com (actually I am cheating a little here as this is a collective site for more than one designer, but I love the fact that they've got together in friendship and mutual support and thats always a good thing, but it did mean that I had to leave my lovely friend Vikki off the list as she is a gum tree designer :( "sigh")

But my best silver lining was a christmas card for Liam from a kinder friend and his Mum...

Best Wishes to all,

Sharon

Missing ????

2009-12-08T15:11:00.000+11:00

Has anyone seen my camera. It seems to have disappeared. I've even (taken the unusual step) of tidying up my craft room. Maybe its run away with my sunglasses. LOL Still at least I found my missing Believe pattern, Kris's and Katie's xmas presents...so it wasn't all bad ;)

So although I have been doing some stuff...despite either running aound like a headless chook getting nowhere fast or perfecting procrastination to a new art form LOL. So as a last resort I thought I would show you a couple of pics of Christmas past. Hope you like them.

The Santa are wood cut-outs I got and painted from Wood 'n' Pots...I do not know who the designer is.

The bears are designs by Holly Hanley in her book "Sunshine Kisses and Warm Winter Wishes 2" (yes Debbie I still have it tee hee hee). The angel snowflake is a painted Bronwyn Hayes design from "The Wish Quilt (though I had to alter the wings a little). I'm still wondering if I should do the bears again as I've done them for the last 3 years :)

Hugs,
Sharon

Great Excitement

2009-11-26T14:26:00.001+11:00

Hi Folks, I've just read the most wonderful news on Sarah Leak's blog Quilt Fabric Delights here

Bronwyn Hayes of Red Brolly has finally got a blog.

Woo hoo ( jig around the house) Oops ....you can find her here

Bronwyn is one of my faves. She has some lovely designs coming out, not to mention the ones I haven't got.

Big smiley hugs to all,

Sharon

Now where is that oven?

Edit: The sky is black, the thunder claps , but My new oven is here....it will be good when its been installed. Its been almost 2 years since I had an oven :)

Learning by example!

2009-11-26T12:40:00.000+11:00

Look, isn't he gorgeous , snuggling into a rare soft toy he actually likes (he probably thinks its a cushion)

I was out to dinner last night, when the following occurred. Kris couldn't wait to tell me (insert big grin here)

Toilet training is a bit of a bugbear in our house, so when Kris felt a presence behind him (at the toilet), he was thinking Oh good, maybe Liam will learn by example and get the idea what a toilet is really for.

The little prince saw Dahdee standing over a white bowl of water into which he was pouring a golden stream. How interesting he thought, Dahdee playing with the water too. Its sooo handy having such conveniences in a home so that I can drop things and splash about whenever I wish, though Shannie & Dahdee have a nasty habit of making a fuss about these playthings and locking me out. Surely I can play too. He thought yes, I can do that, its not hard.

As Kris was delightedly thinking that Liam was watching and learning by example, to his amazement, he saw a couple of objects appear from between his legs and splash into the water.

Having been successful, the little prince decided it was time to leave...his Dahdee may make a fuss...so satisfied he left.

"Liam, you bastard" he yelled as he heard his son klomping down the hallway. "We're screwed", he thought as he gazed at the 2 fun-size Mars bars below.

So did anyone learn anything from this? Did anything change?

Kris left the bathroom door open this morning. I got to Liam before he got wet, but not before our toothbrushes were thrown in.
As for Liam, He is quite sanguine about all of this, as he knows that sooner or later he will slip in again and enjoy dropping stuff in that lovely clear water. Then there is always the silver water containers on the stove or the bowls where the dogs are. Isn't water the most sensational stuff. Why don't we have more of it on Mars?

Hugs,
Sharon

BTW for more toilet humour, visit Jodie at Ric Rac here.
She has a great sense of humour, while you are there check out her gorgeous softies and read her "bot stories: Bus Stop" They start here and go on until here. S'ok no toilets involved LOL

2009-11-16T10:12:00.001+11:00

The IT department is at it again. I have been banned from the computer since Friday night. He has reluctantly allowed me on inbetween whatever he is doing. All I know was the computer was fine, but then he wanted to ghost a drive, which I disturbed as he forgot to tell me (not happy Kris)...we may have lost important info like photos...so now he is putting up a sign "Do not Use" so I know. He still has to check anything , but allowed me this brief interlude.

Thank you for the lovely comments on my last blog. I'm glad you liked my quilt top.

BTW does anyone know how I can better reply to comments? I know when I leave a comment on a blog , I usually get an email from that person with my comment and their response. Its really lovely and I would like to do that too. I do leave comments on others blogs referring to that bog and thanking them for the comments they have left, but some people do not blog as frequently as others and I would prefer to respond in a better, quicker more personal way.

And as I am starting (finally) my xmas stitching projects for this year, I thought I would show you what I stitched last year for my sons' partners families. Although the layout is mine, I have used two of the stitcheries by Bronwyn Hayes (slightly altered as I did the santa one in redwork) from her Believe Wallhanging (I may be wrong with the name as I cannot find it. I can be a messy person as the photos of my craft room below will attest.)
I hope I can find the pattern though. I had saved the pattern from an old issue of "Australian Country Threads, Vol.3 No.6"...all I can find is the cover and a couple of other designs....Where have I put the pattern sheet? Hopefully its somewhere in the chaos...you've gotta laugh.

I think it may have got worse as I tried to find my missing pattern LOL.
OH well, at least I can still get into the room.
wry smile

Anyway better go and organise that christmas stitching.

Hugs to all,
Sharon

BTW Check out my talented friend's Vikki's cute robin kisses freebie here and here.

Of Keyboards, families and sewing. A quilt top completed...Yay

2009-11-11T20:28:00.000+11:00

Well finally the IT department has fixed the keyboard. It did take some cleaning, time and conductive paint, but one thing you can say about my husband, he doesn't like to be beaten :).
Here he is asleep with our precious. Aren't they cute.

In the meantime I've got some stitching done, attempted to wreck the printer, been to the market at Healesville and met my uncle again (after 26 years). Kris also showed me how to load my photos onto the computer. Hopefully I've got all the steps now as its a pain having to keep asking him (if you know what I mean). Afterall everything is simple when you know how. 'Course I've spent a lot of time preparing , ie cropping and rotating images so I can actually put them on my blog.

My uncle was in Australia for a month. He arrived as we got home from our Sydney trip. Debbie organised a family get-to-gether at her place. It was a lot a fun. I annoyed people with the camera and even got a photo of Nikki's boyfriend (he hates photos so was not amused...hey I didn't know) . Doubt it would have stopped me though as my family is somewhat camera shy.

This is Uncle Colin with his camera, so I was not the only one :)

I maybe in trouble here. My sister, Deb has threatened photographic blog wars, but I couldn't resist. To be fair she did spy me taking a pic of Mum & Simon (who also noticed) and leapt in.

Liam's uncles joined him at the water feature. He, somewhat amusingly pushed them inside so he could enjoy the water play on his own.

Most of the gang watching a computer game.

The following weekend, Mum, Deb, Uncle Colin & I went to Healesville Market

Deb, Mum & Uncle Colin at Healesville Market.

Its hard to believe now that such a short while ago you could be comfortable wearing a jacket. What happened? Its been soooo hot this week. I wonder if Uncle Colin would prefer England's cold or the heat we've had this week?

Funky Fungi at Healesville Market

Oh and I believe I mentioned sewing.

Actually, I'm rather proud of myself for finished the top of this quilt as I had had problems with the filler strips and had to undo them and sort it out. Then I couldn't find the red fabric I wanted for the first border. IT was out of print in the US and although they were going to print some more, I was looking at a wait of 4-6 months.

At this pint I have to say a big thank you to Sarah Fielke and Sewn. Sewn has this wonderful feature called "Find Fabric". I had my red fabric a week later. It was wonderful. There is more to Sewn than this, such as competitions, free patterns, guest spots, a link to Sarah's blog "the Last Piece" etc, so check it out here.

Below is my version of Bronwyn Hayes "The Wish Quilt"
It was featured in Australian Homespun Nos 62-4 (vols9.7 -9.9) with corrections in No 67 (vol9.12).
I have personalised it by using a variegated red by Anchor, adding a red first border and changing the houses as shown more clearly in the blog I wrote here. All the reindeers are different colours too (to reflect the variegated thread used). I hope you like it.

Anyway enough of me.

Hugs to all and to all a good night,

Sharon

IT nuff nuff

2009-11-03T08:40:00.000+11:00

There is a British sitcom called "The IT Crowd" . In it Roy (from IT) first response to the distressed calls from the computer nuff nuffs is something along the lines of " turn the computer off and then turn it on again"...usually its working by then.
Why do I tell you this...well when I complained to DH about those numbers not working, he asked (a day later I might add in my defense) if the other numbers were working. You know the ones...they are on the far right of the keyboard... (red face). Oops I'm a computer nuff nuff.
Oh the shame of it to be a woman and guilty of dare I say it domestic blindness LOL.
Well, on the bright side this meant I could download my prize from Yahoo. Not only did Esther include the pattern instructions, but she also included a detailed stencilling tutorial. Yeah!!
So all is well as long a I don't need any of the symbols used on those 3 numbers...must get the IT department (aka DH) on to that, because I do need them...back to Roy ;)

Oops its a day late...I forgot to publish (well my porridge was burning). I guess I stuffed up multi tasking as well...what kind of woman am I? LOL

Hugs,
Sharon

Edit: This was the giveaway I won from Esther, all neatly placed into a file, ready for me to play with after christmas.

A win...well maybe LOL

2009-10-29T10:31:00.000+11:00

Esther Aliu had this lovely giveaway on her blog. Its called Tulip Delight. Isn't it gorgeous, so I just had to enter.

OK my record at winning giveaways is shall we say non-existent (but I still have a go). So imagine my delighted surprise when I saw my name at the bottom of her winners list. Yes I did check...I was the only Sharon who had left a comment LOL. besides I had an invitation to join her Yahoo group so I could download the instructions.

Well I went to the invitation site and asked to join. No problems I had my invitation. Now all I had to do was enter in the code and that would be that. Ahhh, now why won't my keyboard enter the number three (note I had to type it). OK, so I pretended I didn't get it right and a new code appeared, but six doesn't work either. The third time it had both these numbers. So I checked all the numbers and three, four and six don't work. Arrgh!!!!!!
So having stuffed this up too many times for Yahoos liking they asked me to sign in. Why OH WHy didn't I get Yahoo to save my password. I cannot type that in either.......

So this morning I mentioned my difficulty to DH aka Computer Gremlin. I say this because he had spilt his drink on the keyboard. Imagine If I had done that. His response to my missing numbers was "Does it matter?".
To which I replied: "I can't type in my password"
"Oh...I thought I had fixed it...I'll look at it tonight" said he

Good thing I have a couple of weeks to get to my prize. MEN...can't live without them though and I have a few I'm rather fond of, but.....really they do sometimes try one's patience. Not that I'm ever so trying (they may disagree perhaps) hee hee hee.

Hugs to all, especially my niece Sarah who has her first exam on Friday,

Sharon

Giveaways

2009-10-22T13:39:00.000+11:00

These are 2 lovely giveaways:

Firstly

A lovely fat quarter bundle by Red Rooster fabrics is being given away by Brenda at Pumpkin Patch Primitives. Information on how to enter can be found here.
She is an amazing lady who runs a business, does crafting, home-schools and more... I don't know how she does it.
BTW it would be nice if you mention me when you go and check it out :)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Secondly, Kellie from Don't Look Now (who is one of my favourite designers) is celebrating the release of 2 new patterns.
Lilly Pilly (far left)
and Willow.
I will have to get at least one of these. they are soooo gorgeous

Edit: I've ordered Willow...told you I couldn't resist and I haven't done the other pattern I've bought. Naughty me LOL

This is Wish You Were Here (which you can only get by winning it or by attending one of her workshops)
Guess what: This is also something else on my to do list). I'm hoping that once Liam is settled in school I can indulge in this kind of thing. Wouldn't that be yummy :)

You can find out how to enter her giveaway here.

Hugs,
Sharon

Once upon a time...

2009-10-20T14:15:00.000+11:00

Playing games and feasting with The Thomas Family.

Once upon a time a little prince went on a long trip. He was very excited and made lots of gleeful sounds as the cars rushed by. Is there little more exciting than the anticipation of a journey with Shannie & Dahdee, chips for lunch and a cuddle from his older brother and his princess. At least thats what he thought until Dahdee took a strange turn. This is not quite right thought the little prince. The direction is all wrong. What are my parents thinking. He was most concerned.

We drew up to a little castle in Canberra, when long-time family friends lived. This isn't too bad thought the prince. "There's Pingu and the Incredibles and chickens in the garden...and I get to stay up late".
The following day was even more exciting as both of the prince's older brothers & their princesses appeared. There was a feast to be had (though he didn't eat and indeed wished to escape from the table), games to play coke and he even joined Dahdee on guitar hero with his wiggles guitar.
The little prince went to bed early after a long day. His brothers went their separate ways...one pair to the north by road, the other pair to the south by air. All seemed content. It was a grand day.

But all was not well..the little prince awoke shivering with cold, then became extremely hot. He wouldn't drink, or allow anyone to further poison him (his view regarding oral medications). Finally he cooled down an slept snuggled into Shannie. He was a little brighter next day so despite the suggestion we return south, northward we went. 5 days of fever and asthma, an excursion to the hospital, with little food or drink and our Prince wanted to go home, even though he adores his older brother. Sometimes there's no place like home. Going further north was out of the question...it was just a matter of when we should go home.

Then there was a call from home. Ronin had left Khya yowling for him in the back yard. She was afraid and alone and he was in the pound.

So as the little prince was now well enough to travel, we took the long journey home and rescued the dog the next day. Both Liam and Ronin were very relieved to be home. Liam slept most of the way home, whereas Ronin steamed up the car, and vibrated it at each set of traffic lights.

Khya gave Her errant friend a thorough sniffing when she saw him (wanting to know exactly what he had been up to and where no doubt). Khya (a husky) was ver happy to have him back home again.
Apparently Shepherds love their rhythms and routines and get quite distressed with changes. Oh no! our dog has autistic tendancies ...and I thought they all had ADHD (LOL).
(There are books called "All dogs have ADHD and all cats have aspergers)

The little Prince started to smile again and gradually recovered from his ordeal. He was over the moon when (by Tuesday) he was in the pool and giving the Kinder assistant and his aide lots of smiles and cuddles at kinder. It was good to see the little prince so happy again, though Shannie & Dahdee were not quite themselves.

The journey was not a complete loss as I did aquire 2 new bras, a pair of runners for myself and Liam and Moroccan spice (from paddy's market) :). We alsohad some lovely chats with Adam & Naomi. Its always good to see them
I also came home to my hugs swap package and my order from Orange Daisy.

It also took me a couple of days to catch up with what everyone had been up to in blogland. My you are a busy lot....can't leave you alone for a second. LOL.

Interestingly enough, one can survive on whats in the frige, freezer and cupboards for a while...though some shortages became critical :)

My booty from orange daisy complete with the free button for the first stitchery (which is featured in Homespun).

Anyway I'm off to go preciousing (that is getting Liam from Kinder.) Its Kris's term. It developed from the days when Adam was a school and Simon at kinder. Simon would constantly want to know when we were going Adaming. We thought it was very cute.

Hope you are all well.

Lots of hugs,
Sharon

Hugs Swap

2009-10-16T08:25:00.000+11:00

My Hugs swap package from Paula arrived while I was away. I wish to apologise for the lateness of this posting due to circumstances I won't go into now. I have at least let her know I have them. It was a lovely package to come home too.
I had let her know that I would not receive them until I got back from my holidays on the 10th.
This is a close up of the angel on the mat. Paula has used some lovely variegated yarns...personally I love variegated yarns so this was very appropriate for me :). I also particularly loved the ribbon so had to show a proper view of this too.
Isn't it gorgeous and it goes so well with the stitchery. Thank you very much Paula. I enjoyed having you as my first ever swap partner. Thanks also to Jenny & Vicki for organising the swap. It was definitely fun and everyone need a hug :)

Just in case you are wondering, this is what I sent Paula (though it looks much nicer on her mug, which you can see on her blog here). I checked out her blog and conveniently (for me) she was organising a fall swap as she loves autumn colours. Ah ha...I think I'll do it in autumn tones :). Mind you I read the instructions for the mat and then forgot all about the seam allowance so the mat was a little smaller than intended. So its read twice, measure twice ....make sure you have added the seam allowance...check...then cut :)
Oh well we live and learn (LOL)

Anyway I think I might have a hot lemon tea in my hugged mug :)

Hugs to all,
Sharon

Moving On

2009-09-20T08:20:00.000+10:00

The final assessment is over. Finally! Shaking off the mud commencing now woo hoo.
So from now on things should start being more positive...ie what Liam can do rather than what he cannot. It was a bit like being caught in the middle of a mud fight. You know its going to be dirty and its unavoidable, but you are not prepared for the weight of the mud clinging to you. The best thing though is that my little treasure is mud-proof and came through the whole process as clean as when it started. Good thing he has autism, otherwise he might have been embarrassed to be seen out with his muddy mother LOL

I have also done a couple of workshops. A day of beginners quilting with Veronique Diligent at Sandlyn House. We were all quite proud of ourselves by the end of the class and Veronique is a lovely person and patient teacher. The other ladies in the class were also lovely and I found someone who can out chatterbox me!!!! (Vikki, Deb & Nora its TRUE, you will believe me if you ever meet the delightfully chatty Janet Rowe).

Unfortunately I took theses photos at home, in class photos would have been much more interesting. But Look I actually quilted...Ta Dah...so maybe its not totally beyond me.

The next class I signed up for was Missy Moo's bag of the month club using these gorgeous fabrics. As there is a fair bit of appliquing to do s not much else to show, but its really great doing this as I have only made the one bag (a few years ago) before and lack confidence with 3D work.

I also spent a bit of time chatting to Vikki who was visiting (buying buttons methinks having read her blog :))
Well classes are not just about the sewing are they...socialising , chatting and getting to know people are also very important.

And just to let you know I haven' been entirely idle during my fortnightly Tuesday craft classes (also at Missy Moo with the wonderful Nora and a group of lovely ladies). I've sewn all these pinwheels and almost sorted out my filler strips.

Also there has been chatting, laughing and chasing Nora around with a camera, the others were stuck around the table so couldn't escape so easily tee hee hee (Kerry's fault really LOL). Unfortunately blogger is refusing to play anymore so cannot show you any of this (signs of relief all round LOL)

Love and hugs to all,
Sharon

A Fine Group of "Nutters"

2009-09-16T07:33:00.000+10:00

You may have read about this new blog on any one of the nine established or emerging designers which comprise it (one of whom I am fortunate enough to know personally :).
They initially teased us with hints of a secret to be revealed on the 15th Sept, but then we (me and other blog readers) noticed the same tease on a number of sites. Too much of a coincidence...apparently not LOL

They are offering their own designs for us to download and each designer will be announcing a giveaway on the 16th. Anyway enough from me :)

So in a nutshell go to this blog Among the Gumtrees and check it out. You will read the profiles of the designers and find links to their individual blogs.

Hugs to all,
Sharon

Hug Swap 2009

2009-09-05T09:12:00.000+10:00

ooohhh I've entered a swap :)

...am a little nervous and rather excited as I haven't done it before, but this one...well we all need a hug sometimes (I'm a little greedy in this department, always have been) :).
In fact when it was suggested that Liam's hugs may not be affection, but satisfying a high propreoceptive (I don't know if I've spelled this right) need, I was initially upset, until I realised that I too have a high propreoceptive need. I love to give hugs. In fact a certain nephew says that the problem with Aunty Sharon is that she hugs too much....and I thought I had been rather restrained with him as I don't hug just anyone and I don't like to hug someone who would rather not (maybe its the mere threat of a hug that he is concerned about) LOL

Anyway back to the swap...after several failures I've managed to add the piccie to my sidebar (and it actually works). I've tried it several times so I know it works now anyway :)
This swap was organised by Jenny of Elefantz and Vicki of Tozz's corner.
This will be fun

love to all
Sharon

Toni's Giveaway

2009-09-01T18:14:00.000+10:00

Toni Alexander of the Red Boot Quilt Co. has a giveaway on her blog. Its an adorable teddy quilt pattern called "The Beary Bunch" . She has made it up in 2 colourways and sizes. See a pic of it here, its worth checking out. I would have included a pic, but as I haven't asked permission, though I better not. If you go and look check out her other quilts...there are other yummy ones there. She is drawing the winner on Sunday 6th.

My lap-sized version of Ruby (otherwise known as "Whoops a Daisy"). It was "whoops a daisy" in Australian Homespun No.49 Vol.8No.6, though Toni calls it "Ruby".

I made it for my mother-in-law in 2005. She was very ill and had trouble keeping warm. I wanted to do something for her that would help so I thought I'd make a quilt, but what. I started going through my magazines, but nothing seemed quite right, when this edition of Homespun arrived in the post. As soon as I saw Toni's quilt I knew it would be perfect (if I made it a little smaller (lap-sized)). It was colourful and cheerful ( with gorgeous daisies on it) and made using flannels. I set to work and finished it in record time (for me). Most people who know me know that without a deadline things are apt to move along at shall we say a rather gentle pace Lol.

Margaret loved the quilt. She loved the primary colours, the flowers and its snuggly feel and most importantly it helped keep her warm in her last year. Unfortunately it went missing :( , but at least it served its purpose :)

Liam is 5

2009-08-27T08:27:00.000+10:00

Happy Birthday Liam

'

Liam ready to be transported to the Mercy's NICU ward.
I finally get to hold my little precious. It was the first time I had seen him in 2 days. I was sooo excited. This was taken later in the day as Kris had been in Sydney when I was told I could go to the Mercy. Deb & Mum to the rescue :)

Today was Liam's 5th birthday...its also the first time since he had his first birthday that he has been healthy on his birthday. So it was very exciting for us :). The day started off with Kinder (for which I had made 2 batches of cupcakes inbetween aquatic OT, getting more ingredients and afternoon kinder). He yawned through the birthday song, but there were lots of eager helpers to help him blow out the candles as he doesn't do that (Or so I thought....) he blew at the candles too. Imagine my excitement...he had never done this before EVER. My main problem was usually stopping him grabbing the flame. Fortunately he was a little better about that this year as he understands "hot".
Then it was off to Maccas with a couple of boys and their Mums from the kinder. It was really nice. Ok Liam didn't "play" with the other kids, but he was certainly aware they were there and he was also quite happy to sit at a different table with them. I was really touched that they had been willing to come at short notice particularly Sue (who not only had to be elsewhere at an hour after kinder, but whom I had only asked the day before....how lovely is that). Not only that but the gifts were both thoughtful and useful and took into account Liam's autism. I was soooo touched. There are a lot of good people out there, sometimes we just have to be brave enough to let them in.
In the evening Simon and Beth came around. He actually started running up the hallway when he heard them come in, but he was sooo excited he fell over and came back to me for a cuddle. There was more cupcakes, being tossed around by his brother, sparklers and a firework. he had a very full and busy day.

Liam at Darling Harbour, Sydney (2007)

. At Bondi Beach (2007). Liam just adores water. If I hadn't been there we would have just kept going in deeper. He loved the feeling of the waves rushing back out. I tell you we both got rather wet, but had loads of fun.

Playing with Simon & Beth (2008)

Liam and his brothers (August 2009), with Simon, with Adam.

And the headlines for the day....remember how I went to my craft class. It turns out we were lucky where we were, although the suburbs around us were not quite so fortunate. My sister, Jenny & Mum lost power, as did Vikki. Many suburbs lost power. At Mt. Evelyn, the SDS was running on a generator even on Thursday and you could see the chopped up remains of trees. Other suburbs had been similarly affected as trees and power lines were down. A friend's in my craft class couldn't get home for a few hours as her suburb was virtually cut off. Every second tree in Tim's street came down. It was a very cold night.
Back to the Herald Sun...the front page featured a story on how a footballer might not be available for the "big match". I think someone's priorities are all wrong: I think the storm Tuesday night was a tad more important. Even an avid football supporter we spoke too thought it was ridiculous.

Me and my boys (June 2009) ... massive grin :)
I just adore my 3 sons.

Love to all,
Sharon

Give-away

2009-08-25T17:32:00.001+10:00

Guess I've been out of circulation a bit. Rather sad its taken such a lovely quilt as Kellie's to get me to blog again. Can you believe she is giving this away. I cannot believe it. it is sooo gorgeous :) too.
You can find info on how to enter here. Hopefully this works as I had forgotten what to do. LOL

BTW I would also like to thank everyone who responded to my night-time ruminations. I know I haven't got back to you all yet and for that I am sorry. (Brenda you have no idea how much I appreciated what you had to say and some of your stories on your blog have been both funny and heartwarming... )
Anna, Karen, Sue & Liam, I am so fortunate to have met you, even if its only virtually. Lyn...thanks for your kind words and I'm glad to have been of some help. Vikki, you are a good and talented friend...hope Rosie has a lovely birthday, Thursday. And finally my wonderful sister Debbie, who is always supportive and whom I wish I was more like.

Liam is going along very well and I am feeling a lot better too. In fact its his birthday tomorrow.

Well I have a craft class tonight, but its wild and wooly outside with the rain, wind and hail. Not exactly inviting, yet its been quite nice today. I expect this too will soon pass. Huh It has....cool! (no pun intended) LOL. Thats one good thing about the Melbourne, the weather frequently changes....hee hee hee
Its of to craft I go, Its off to craft go.....

LOve to all
Sharon

Give-Away

2009-08-15T08:37:00.000+10:00

This fabulous give-away is happening on i have to say
but you only have 'til Sunday to enter. Sorry about the late notice. You can win a priority paid envelopes (up to 8 yards worth of remnants (at least 6" a piece). The piccy shows one of the piles this lady has. Don't they look gorgeous.

Catch 22, autism & the education system

2009-08-06T01:45:00.000+10:00

Its 1.45 am. Its been an hour and he may still awake. I've lain in bed listening to him happily burbling, "chatting", guerring and playing with his blind, but hes gone quiet...is he asleep? Meanwhile my mind has been racing, leaping from thought to thought...I call it monkey brain (its a term I heard somewhere) and it aptly describes the chaos going on in my head.
We have one more assessment to get...how many ways and professionals does one have to have say that Liam has a problem.
He's quietly chattering, maybe he's getting sleepy :).
Its all rather black...I want shade and light and colour (and humanity), not pigeon-holing.

Liam turns 5 this month. The catch 22 is that he is eligible for another year of early intervention. If he was a typically developing child (sometimes political correctness helps, sometimes....), with his physical health issues, he would have repeated another year of kinder. Its well known that physical illness in itself can cause developmental delays. This is the first year Liam has appeared physically robust, but its still not uncommon for me to be called to collect him from kinder as he has fallen asleep.
He's silent again.
I know I would have been advised to do another year of kinder and allow him to mature. When Simon started school, one of the boys in his year just starting was a almost 2 years older than him as he had been too unwell to start school earlier.
(guerrs)
Liam isn't normal though and although children with autism are developmentally delayed that doesn't matter. Here comes the second catch, Liam is on the wrong (I use this word deliberately), ie severe end of the spectrum. This is compounded by moderate to severe intellectual disability. If he cannot go to a mainstream school, he has to start school the year he turns 6. If Liam was higher functioning he could have an extra year of intervention and kinder, even if he needed an aide at school. If Liam was normal ( how I dislike that word...its so excluding), he could repeat 4 yo kinder or like his older brother or cousin repeat a year of school to allow him to mature as they did. These are not options for him.
Perhaps I should check up on him, but I don't want to disturb him unless I have to.
All this negativity being flung at you gets to you eventually. I still have hope, but I just wish the system was a little more flexible so he could start school a year later. So I wouldn't feel that being at the wrong end of the spectrum was disadvantaging him further. Surely there should be hope for my child, not just for the ones who are higher functioning.
So Liam will go off to school next year, ready or not. I am very happy with the school we will be sending him to. They do specialise in autism afterall :).

One very important thing I have to add here is that the professionals, aides and teachers who work with our children are truly wonderful people. They all do it by choice, because they want to. All three special schools we visited were welcoming and Liam was obviously as comfortable there as we were. It was a soothing, calming experience for both Kris and I. We know Liam will be well looked after and hope still exists for his potential to be realised.
I cannot believe he is still awake. Imp! adorable imp, but still...
I think I better go see him...usually when this happens a snuggle and a bottle re-establish the sleep routine.

Then perhaps my brain will behave itself and have a rest LOL

Viki Sherman Angels

2009-08-04T14:26:00.000+10:00

These are a couple of the other angels I did in 2003. There are a couple of others....a pink one on our living room wall and Deb has an aqua one (but I seem to have no photos of these two). BTW the owl was inspired by a Japanese fabric as Kris's aunt loves owls.
As you can see I am using material and doing some embroidery. This was more or less my stitching limits at this stage.

This is my Dad's cousin Ivan & his wife Ro, who we stayed with in England. Ivan and Dad were very close, almost like brothers.
They are a gorgeous couple. We all love them dearly. Its a shame we live so far apart.

Elefantz Giveway and other musings.

2009-08-04T12:54:00.000+10:00

GIVEAWAY

Jenny of Elefantz has been busy designing a Christmas 9 pattern pack of stitcheries, which you can see here. To celebrate she announced a giveaway. You can win a vintage tin, georgeous xmas fat quarter and buttons. All this whilst moving across country (and Australia is big) and settling in to a new location.
Anyone who has been to her blog would have seen the lovely Shabby Roses free BOM she has been doing.

Other Musings
On the Liam and me front. Well I spoke too soon. On the 27th we went swimming, had lunch out and wondered around the shops....then fell in a heap over the next 2 days. Liam is fully fit now, which is great. I'm still not, my asthma is causing major problems.
Kris has been terrific though (OK we lived on take-away for a week but...LOL) . He has been taking Liam to Mt.Evelyn, Irabina, swimming and kinder as I am unable to drive. Even feiling out assesssments or dropping them off to the relevant people. He even took me grocery shopping (a pet hate) and then going on to work.

You know when my last child went to school all I had to do was turn up and enrol him with a vaccination certifiacte. With Liam there are reports from Speech pathologists, paediatricians, pyschologists, kinder teachers, hearing assessments (imagine the poor child who hqas autism and is deaf as well...when would that child get help, afterall they are not mutually exclusive conditions. So as you can imagine getting these 8? or so assessments done and getting really ill at the same time is the a particularly good idea. Still the end is in site. Oh and I still need the immunisation certificate....course Liam hasn't been well enough for his 4 yo shot yet. He was ill last year and I wanted him to settle into his new routine firsr, then I forgot...
Oh well!

BTW, I have finally started sewing again. Yippeee....sanity should return soon LOL
Though Deb's books have kept me going. Not to mention the blog hopping.
I have found some lovely new sites.
Had a lovely message from Karen in the UK...how funny that I should have been where she lives just 6 years ago. We were visiting Vikki & Scott just before they emigrated to Oz. Must have made Vikki at Sew Useful Designs a wee bit nostalgic too.
Vikki & Me in Milton Keynes...My hair was longer and I was thinner (big smiles)

Aaahh I'm getting nostalgic too...we had a lovely week at their place, I had bought Vikki some Oz mags and an angel I had painted and stitched for her....and I got to see the lovely softies she was making. She is very good.
The angel I painted for Vikki was designed by Viki Sherman in her book "Kindred Hearts". The idea and design of the embroidery and the butterfly was from a lady in my class aat the time called Judy. A lovely lady , who's surname escapes me. I painted a few different versions of this at the time for other people we were staying with, myself and Kris's aunt.

We had never met before either so it was great it worked out so welll and she was happy to have relative strangers in her home. We also got a tad drunk (very unlike me...Ok I'm usually gone after a glass, even my nieces and sons rag me about it) , had a BBQ, went to Portsmouth (where Scott lost the car keys) checked out Hanslope (where they were living...lovely country village), craft shops and Milton Keynes. It was over way too quick.
Vikki & Scott, Portsmouth
It was lovely being in England again and it will always hold a special place in my heart. It was funny travelling from the far side of the world to feel as if I was still home, even after all these years. I guess I'm lucky to have 2 such wonderful "homes".

Remember This

2009-07-26T08:15:00.000+10:00

Remember this

well, once I had sewn on the other filler strip and set of blocks, I realised I had a problem. The filler strips were shorter than the block strips. Arrrgh...perhaps I should have measured :). In my defense (very weak rationalisation here) I was so pleased all my chequerboard blocks met at their points that I didn't think to measure the completed block.
One thing I learnt...measure the blocks...I could easily have made the stitchery blocks and heart blocks a little bigger, or adjusted my seam allowances but...
However, I also know me too well so cannot guarantee I have learned my lesson well enough to do it next time. So I could be in this sticky mess again LOL

Anyway I just left it for a while, hoping it would go away LOL or for a quick fix. In the end I bit the bullet and started undoing them...I got the two end strips sorted out before Liam got tonsillitis. So this week I am going to sort out the middle strip. Hopefully all will be well.

BTW, Liam let himself out of his bedroom for the first time this morning. I had just gotten up to get him as I could hear him rattling his door knob, when I saw him coming down the hallway. He hopped into bed with us (between the two of us of course) and then happily snuggled in. It was all very cozy for half an hour until he decided it was time to get up (by pushing me out of bed with his legs). Imp LOL

Thanks for the get well wishes. It was much appreciated. Lots of hugs for all.

I would also like to thank the lovely Sue for the thumb pincushions she sent me. They are really cute. My sister Jen had just brought me home (we had been to the craft show with our other sister), when Kris gave me the package. A lovely end to a day out don't you think. My sisters and I had a fun, but tiring day out.
I'm sorry I don't have a photo to show you, but you can see them here. The two I received were like the ones on the top and right of the picture, though I gave Jen the orange one. Liam ran off with the red packaging. He loves red.
It is also very worthwhile to read the story behind these pincushions (it just shows what a lovely person Sue is) and there's a tutorial to make them too.

Out of Action

2009-07-23T22:07:00.000+10:00

Liam has recovered from his tonsillitis and I am slowly recovering from bronchitis. Liam's tonsils will be part of our discussions with his paediatrician. Thank you for the good wishes, advice, kind comments and hugs :).
Unfortunately sewing and even reading were not an option.

I believe I owe my youngest son an apology. When Kris suggested I needed to see a doctor, I just couldn't be bothered. I felt so awful, I just wanted to be left alone. I only went the next day as he insisted (what a nag LOL). So how can I expect my almost 5 year old not to feel the same and just want to be left alone or have an occasional cuddle. I guess sometimes you just need someone else to recognise you need help, no matter how old or verbal or stubborn :) you may be.

Any way on a brighter note, Liam started at Mt. Evelyn today. He actually lasted the whole 6 hours, even though he has only been there once before. It felt rather empty here without him, but the chance to rest was great and Kris could go to work.
He arrived home absolutely exhausted though, as happy to be home as he had been to leave in the morning. Even an autistic child gets bored with the same DVDs, TV, same 4 walls... after a while, but they are comforting to come home to :)

And I got a big hug too :) Liam is very snuggly.

????????

2009-07-17T21:24:00.000+10:00

One of the difficulties with having an autistic child is the lack of communication. He cannot tell me how he feels.

This can present itself in many ways. For example if he is wakeful through the night: is it because he slept too long during the day, was disturbed by something that happened during the day, his routine is upset so it doesn't matter whether its day or night, is unwell or feels refreshed and happy so who cares what time it is). So the next day when he is tired and lethargic, well he didn't sleep well last night...lets continue the routine to help it stop happening again. This usually works, but occasionally you notice he hasn't eaten breakfast (not uncommon), or lunch (hmmm), hes not drinking as much, he's quiet, and the final straw is he watched half of Playschool without a complaint (he would have to be asleep or...). So you keep him at home, then observe that he seems to occasionally screw up his body, come for a hug, look uncomfortable then run off seemingly fine and his bowel hasn't moved.
Right...he must have a stomach bug. So I organise to see the doctor. Kris comes home. Liam seems a lot better. Are we/me making a fuss? Anyway we go...
To my complete surprise he has acute tonsillitis, his throat is red raw and his tonsils have swollen and are touching. He had this at least 3 times in as many months last year. How could I not know?

Being Grandma/ Nana

2009-07-03T08:28:00.000+10:00

One of the first thing we learnt at the PECS course was the concept of "being Grandma". Children love their grandmothers. Why? Because they are the source of all good things...they give the child whatever they want. Consequently they love to go to grandma's and will tend to do the odd little thing she asks of them, where they may resist doing it for Mum.
Therefore when you first meet a "student" its important to have lots of things around he might want...he then sees you as a source of good things and the therapist gets to see what motivates him.

OK...I obviously have one small problem. I am MUM...how can I be grandma too? The presenter said just pick times to be grandma. It makes sense, every child, indeed everybody liked to be "spoiled" on occasion. I know I do ;) I feel much more mellow and happy to do the things I have to afterwards.

Yesterday Liam and I went to the supermarket.

Liam loves the supermarket...there's lots of lovely aisles (great running tracks). There's colour.
Mum of course views all this with some trepidation. He could disappear.
I have dropped everything before and ran...there's no point yelling. (he won't respond and he's in running heaven). Furthermore there are lovely moving vehicles outside...therefore I cannot leave the front of the shop if I lose sight of him. I cannot risk him getting outside. (but what is he doing? Even running has its dangers, he won't necessarily take notice of anyone/anything else. What if he's got into something? I know he never has before, but...)
He may also collapse on the ground (I don't want to do this, go here, leave here...whatever). Hes not easy to pick up. Then there's waiting in queues (hard enough in itself, without being stuck between other people, bags and trolleys). Its also not easy paying for your shopping and holding on to your son at the same time.

I had a few items to get, a bag that sat across my body and both hand free. I was, therefore more relaxed. Liam was also very happy. He had had a good morning at his holiday programme and he was not tired. He was quite happy to hold my hand, even when I was happy to let go of his hand and let him have a bit of a run. It was a good positive experience.

Communicating with Mars

2009-06-30T21:04:00.000+10:00

Liam

Communicating with Mars has its difficulties...sometimes Mars seems so far away; there are faulty lines, static, echoing, and outages. It can get a tad frustrating. Then there's the question of language. Am I using the right terminology. Is it getting lost in translation. Confusion and frustration reign for both of us.

For the last 2 days I've been at a basic training course for PECS (picture exchange card system). You have to think of the pictures as words.

I am feeling quite pumped up with the possibilities for my favourite little martian. I feel like I've been given a key to a map that may lead to the greatest treasure of all, my son's mind.

One important thing I learnt was that if a typically developing child can do "x" at a certain age then an autistic child of the same mental age is capable of that level of communication (even if it isn't the spoken language). Given that I was told Liam was not ready for speech pathology for so long, I found this information interesting, especially as the presenter's youngest 'client' had been a 15mth old child with autism. So why had I been told that my child wasn't ready?

I certainly have to thank the speech pathologist I had in group this year for demonstrating PECS to us.
Even us "normal" folk need visual demonstrations at times to get it :) She also recommended I do this course.

The course was fascinating, it offered real hope and solutions, the presenter was entertaining and knowledgeable. Points were demonstrated with anecdotes, videos and contrasts with a typical situation often with humour (never making fun of the "student"). I would certainly recommend doing this course
For instance don't ever take a picture away because you don't want the child to ask for something as you cannot stop a verbal child from asking for something by removing that word from his vocabulary. She gave examples of behaviour deteriorating if it was decided "he doesn't need this." Imagine someone taking away your ability to communicate, you might want to throw something too. An anecdotal example of this was a PECS book being removed so a child couldn't ask for chocolate, he found his old one and used that to ask for chocolate (so that book was removed). Finally he gave his mother a fridge magnet that said " Give me chocolate now, or someone will get hurt".

Socially it was good too, I met a lovely lady (Nathalie) who also has an autistic son, a couple of lovely speech pathologists also doing the course and a couple of people I already knew. And best of all I got a lovely kiss and cuddle when I got home. He was watching a favourite movie he didn't want to miss, so he would run up to me, put his arms up, give me a kiss, then wriggle like mad to be put down so he didn't miss his movie. Isn't that just too adorable.

Jackie's Birthday Giveaway

2009-06-28T08:05:00.000+10:00

Over at Canton Village Quilt Works, Jackie is celebrating her birthday with a giveaway. To be in the chance to win one of her presents go here.
She has a 2 jelly rolls and a couple of books to win.
Be sure not to check out her older posts. I've just discovered this blog via my friend Vikki's blog
Jackie has lots of lovely eye candy on her blog...her paper piecing is magnificent.

Wish Quilt peeks

2009-06-26T10:50:00.001+10:00

These pics are from my version (WISP) of Bronwyn Hayes' "The Wish Quilt" which features in Australian Homespun magazine (Vol9. Nos.7-9)

There you go Debbie (She told me how to crop my pics)...is this better? :). BTW have fixed up the other photos on previous blogs too :)

As you can see I've changed the houses on Bronwyn's quilt. They are a cross between her houses and those by Piece of Cake Designs featured in their "Welcome to the North Pole: Santa's Village in Applique" quilt (which I am yet to do). I also used my favourite variegated stranded red cotton by Anchor; hence the variegated reindeer :)

When I showed my son Simon and his fiancee, Beth the quilt I mentioned I could add more names to it. "Are you trying to tell me something?" he cheekily asked.
Well I had presented him and his older brother with a new brother at the ages of 19 & 22 respectively, but that was almost 5 years ago now!
"No, I am not having another baby, I'm leaving that up to my sons and their wives" I grinned.
He laughed.

Hugs n Kisses giveaway

2009-06-26T07:26:00.000+10:00

If you want to be in the running to win this lovely Christmas BOM by Helen of Hugs and Kisses go here. Which reminds me, a couple of years ago I made Liam Helen's Santa sack (still haven't done the label as I ran out of time that particular Christmas). Its a gorgeous design and I love the quirky Santa (another one is in this BOM). Liam loves the bells on the sack most of all. I must take a photo of it and post it on my blog soon. In fact its the only bag or 3D object I've made. Admittedly I had a little help from the Linda at Missy Moo.

Sisters

2009-06-10T14:19:00.001+10:00

These are designs by Natalie Lymer of Cinderberry Stitches. It calles "The 3 Sisters". As I am one of 3 sisters i thought it appropriate to make and give to my sisters. The top one is Debs and the bottom one is Jens. Also fittingly as they were both instumental in me taking up sewing.
I also thought I'd show them as we went to another set of 3 sisters birthdays on Sunday. More on that later. I need to download photos (ie get Kris to do it or show me how)

In the meantime, I'm happy to have found fresh supplies of ENSURE, but if it hadn't been for Mum I would have been dangerously low by now, especially as Liam has been sick recently. The only thing he ate on Sunday was his egg-free, dairy-free, nut-free chocolate cake, but at least he had had his supplement.

Also I have been a tad obsessed with reading lately. Fittingly there was the book called Addiction, Dear Fatty then Kate Morton's latest. Then I got the twilight series of books by Stephanie Meyer for my birthday. They are sooo addictive and I am not generally one who reads books with vampires...but Vikki & Beth & Nikki all loved them so I thought Why not? Kris is less impressed with my obsession and Liam keeps sitting on me, though I also caught him with the one I'm reading at the moment. I wonder what he thought?

But I have finished sewing on the houses and stars on The Wish Quilt (pics also still on camera).
Oh well....

Visit Home

2009-06-09T16:30:00.000+10:00

Adam & Naomi
Adam & Liam

There's a warm contented buzz in the house when the boys are home. There is laughter and chatter, hugs and comfortable silences. Liam is also much more animated. Brothers pick him up more and swing him around, though he's getting too heavy for some of the rougher stuff he, but they may no longer enjoy so much. Its less airborne than grounded now, but he persists. And he does reward them with gleeful sounds, snuggles and the odd kiss.
Then theres the dogs to see, autumn colours to enjoy, letting your Dad overdo it at tennis, tennis with Simon, inlaws, parents, grandparents, funky new shoes for Naomi as she starts xmas shopping in the city and then the real reason for this trip south.
The Thomas girls are celebrating their 16th, 18th & 21st birthdays respectively.
Teachers had asked for them not to go to Melbourne, but they were the guests of honour...so no school for a week on their return to Canberra (in case of swine 'flu). We have watched these girls grow up and we have stayed with their family in various locations in the country, though the boys didn't come to Darwin with us. The saying that friends are the family you choose perfectly expresses how we feel about them.

Mum to the rescue

2009-06-09T09:31:00.000+10:00

Thank God for Mothers....where would any of us be without them.

Liam relies on a dietary supplement for his health..when he is ill it is often the only thing he will have. He has been quite ill lately and with Ensure (his supplement) in short supply and seemingly unavailable, my wonderful Mum managed to get some through a little local pharmacy who ordered it in for her, from a supplier that had some left. Hopefully the situation will soon be rectified. Anyone with dietary and health issues knows how important these nutritional supplements are.

Love you Mum

2009-06-04T22:55:00.000+10:00

Can't wait: Kris has gone to the airport to pick up Adam & Naomi.

Double Birthdays

2009-06-03T15:29:00.000+10:00

Kris & Adam at Adam's & Naomi's wedding
The Newlyweds: There is little more special in life than to see your child so happy
Adam & Simon (our angel & our imp) 1987: brothers and best mates.
Adam 5months

Kris and I had a lovely day. We dropped Liam off at kinder and went to see a film (we had just enough time). Kris said it was like going on a date and we hadn't been to the cinema for about 18 months. It did feel quite decadent. Our little gorgeousness smelt a rat though, and was reluctant to let us go at Kinder even though he loves Kinder. He's not stupid...the rhythm of the day was different. Then in the evening Simon came round.

Adam, our eldest son was born on his father's 21st birthday. Kris has always said he was the best birthday present he ever got. I came close with Simon though, but he was a few days early, but at least he got to take us home from the hospital on his birthday. He must have been pretty excited too, because he forgot to bring me shoes and we ran out of petrol on the way home LOL.
Mum rang the hospital shortly after Adam was born. Kris was so excited he said "hes got little toenails and fingernails and eyebrows...My first impression was overwhelming rush of love...I was so surprised as I didn't think I possessed a maternal bone in my body, but here I was instantly in love with my son. Even with a broken heart you can love someone new...and Dad would have adored him.
He used to do the most gorgeous pouts as a baby...maybe he still does LOL...and the "Oh Mother " looks I used to get. Apparently I am the most annoying of his parents.
Adam was the ideal first-born. He was sensible, diplomatic, took himself off to bed when tired and has a wonderful attitude to life. At times I've thought he's more sensible and mature than I am. Though he also gave be one of my biggest frights. Imagine waiting to catch a train. You hear it coming and move to the edge of the platform only to see your son streak across in front of it.
When he started going out with Naomi he took the precaution of telling her all the embarassing stories about himself he could remember, he figured it would be much more embarassing coming from us. It didn't remember them all though hee hee hee.
Though I will never forget the interminable questions as to where every car was going, to which I eventually replied I don't know.
"But, Mummy" he said "you know the alphabet".

24th Birthday

2009-05-31T08:25:00.000+10:00

Simon & Beth at their engagement party last year.

Simon & Beth late 2008

Simon: A few months old.

Liam's been sick, I've been sick, DH hasn't been well and even the computers been sick.
In the meantime, I've done a tiny bit of stitching. My houses and stars are on the quilt. I just need to do the little bit of stitchery beneath the houses.

On the bright side, Simon (second son) celebrated his 24th birthday. First impressions: big, beautiful, hairy and hungry. Simon was a very happy affectionate baby (and he still is).
He was a cheeky little boy with huge green eyes and always up to mischief. On one occasion we had gone to the beach. It was June and freezing. I had him "waterproofed" from head to toe (only his face was exposed). Needless to say he got soaked. I tried! LOL
Then around 16, he propped himself on his elbow on my bed and said "do you know how lucky you are?'' I looked at him questioning as he went on the explain, "How many boys my age would come and give their Muma hug"
One of my favourite memories of him was when I was pregnant with Liam. Simon (18 at the time) asked if I really wanted this baby.
I said "yes, (he waited for more) afterall I love being yours and Adam's mother"
He smiled cheekily at me and said "but I can be a bastard too sometimes".
"Yes, I know...I'm your mother, not stupid"

Simon has grown from an adorable imp to a fine young man. Amy, a close friend of mine once said of Simon. "You don't have to worry about Simon, there will always be someone happy to take care of him" This is so true from us, his brother, friends and colleagues. Simon has a passion for life and an unconscious charm that draw people to him, but yes he can be a bastard, albeit a lovable one.

Autism Awareness Month

2009-05-10T10:55:00.000+10:00

May is autism awareness month.

I like this symbol I pinched from Deb's site (in fact she talked me through the process), because we often refer to pieces of the puzzle. It has been said that if you have (say) 70 pieces of the puzzle then you have autism. We all have autistic traits, its an exaggeration of what is normal, so where does autism start and "normalcy" end?
Autism is a puzzle...each person with ASD is unique and we would dearly love to see how our little puzzle sees his world. DH frequently refers to him as a Rubik's cube (though they have solutions) or as an enigma wrapped in a conundrum (which he borrowed from Winston Churchill who was not referring to autism :)) or even as a square peg in a round world. He is all of this and so much more. Autism is both fascinating and perverse.

Mothers Day

2009-05-10T09:21:00.000+10:00

Today it is Mothers Day (and my birthday). The sun is shining; Liam woke up as bright as a button at 6.30am. I wasn't quite as bright :)

I made this for Mum last year and got it done just in time for Christmas. Its designed by Natalie Lymer of Cinderberry Stitches and was featured in Australian Homespun (No. 59Vol.9.4). Its rather appropriate as with 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren, she has a fair amount of juggling to do. We all love her dearly.
I had asked Mum what her favourite colour was, to which she replied that she usually wore blue. After pointing out that not what I necessarily meant , she did tell me she loved autumn colours. I had this charm pack of reds which I had shown her and she had liked, so I had my colour scheme. Mum in a blue dress with plenty of autumnal tones. You can see the original colours here

Thats the wonderful thing about the human heart , there's always room for one more to love without diminishing the love for any of the current occupants. I believe the love is enriched by the new addition. I certainly found that to be the case with my sons. Both of them and their girlfriends were quite excited to welcome a new addition to the household. It is always special (especially now that they have left home) when we are all together. Liam is always excited to see them, even if he doesn't show it in the usual way. He is much more animated and excited. Although he may appear to be more interested in watching his film, he certainly knows when they are gone. He becomes quiet. On one memorable occasion he was in tears as soon as the door shut when they left. On another, (when his Dad had to go out unexpectedly) he cried "Dah dee!" as the first door shut and "Oh No!" as the second closed a second later. On both occasions I had to quickly take him outside to at least watch them leave. He also knows when Daddy is due home and will utter Dah Dee and/or go to the window and look out. If Daddy is very late, he shows his displeasure by ignoring him...once only forgiving him when he gave him a bath. Liam loves the water. If Daddy is early, he often gets a big welcome and has run down the hallway to see him. He also likes to climb in bed with him in the morning...DH is NOT a morning person.

BTW, My sister pointed out that I should have mentioned that I had painted the puppy in the previous post. I used folk art paints that blended with the chosen fabrics and textile medium. Actually I rather pleased the recipient turned out to be a little girl given the obsession that cats are for girls and dogs are for boys (at least as far as craft and clothing are concerned).

It started with a puppy

2009-05-06T16:11:00.000+10:00

My lovely DIL asked me to make a cot quilt for a close friend of hers.

It started with this gorgeous puppy (Michelle loves dogs) designed by Kerryanne English of Woodberry Designs (published in Handmade vol.26 no.5), and their theme for the nursery in green, yellow, blue ( snug as a bug) & white walls. I changed the clour of the puppy to yellowish and then started playing with other fabrics (particularly moda's butterfly fling); I needed bugs. I also wanted some textural change so I also used some lemon chenille and green flannel (with bugs and frogs on it).
I also sketched a larger version of Kerryanne's snail as a label on the back.
The initial layout was ultimately changed to include a darker yellow. I was really quite proud of myself as the putting together and choice of fabrics had been mine. I was also quite surprised when my husband really liked the quilt. Mind you that may have been Kerryanne's lovely puppy. (Anyone interested in Kerryanne's designs can check out her blog "Shabby Art Boutique"_see my sidebar. Or you can see her puppy here I hope :))

I always get a little possessive of quilts that I make, I have to "keep" them for a day or so before I can let them go. Yet I love giving them or stuff that I have painted for a particular person to them. I think its because there is a lot of me in that quilt...it is a link between them & me.
Unfortunately for my DIL, there was a slight but interesting (to me anyway) diversion from this. I was not possessive of it for me, but rather for my DIL. I guess you should beware of what you ask for LOL.

More importantly Michelle loved the quilt. She had a gorgeous little girl called Isabella a couple of weeks later.

Doing the next right thing

2009-05-04T13:43:00.000+10:00

"Just do the next right thing, even if that means just getting up in the morning"

When my second son was in primary school, I would often ask him to tidy up his room (it would be nice to see the floor :)). His response was that he didn't know where to start. I would tell him to just pick something (anything) up.
This is not far different from where my head has been lately. Months of denial have crashed into my psyche. The room is a mess and something needs to be done, but all I seemed able to do was ameliorate the situation with chocolate, tears and Liam cuddles. Perhaps Kirk Douglas is right and being depressed is somewhat narcissistic, but I believe that sometimes we need to cry and let it all out. So he's severely intellectually disabled. So what? It wasn't long ago that I spent most of 3 months lying on the floor cuddling him, just wishing he would eat and drink, smile and be healthy. He's healthy and very happy now...so why am I so tearful.
I have always said I just want my sons to be happy...Liam is happy, perhaps the happiest person I know. He is also very loving and is adored (and not just by us). Yet I've somehow infused "happiness" with other expectations, hopes and dreams. I want him to be independent, to be successful at whatever he chooses to do, to love and be loved (even when we are gone), to be healthy, to have friends, to be a good man (like his brothers).
During this time, I received the aforementioned advice and its allowed me to move forward. Appointments have been made and kept, a blog started (one must be careful visiting Deb LOL), a swimming pool visit, stitching and back to weight watchers. Our new motto is to plan for the worst and work for and hope for the best.
Ok, I've slipped already re chocolate, but as my middle son once said "Mum you have a problem". Will someone please invent chocobate ;)

On doing the next right thing....the piccy in the last post was the early stages of "The Wish Quilt" by Bronwyn Hayes that featues in Australian Homespun magazine (vol. 9 Nos. 7-9). This quilt top is still in a work in slow ( I'm just slow) progress. Had another pic, but it won't load up...so will try again later.

Red Rags

2009-05-01T10:33:00.000+10:00

I thought I'd show you a piccy of what my DH thought were red rags on the floor.

Imagine my horror as I asked him to download my craft images (from before xmas) only to find one horribly blurry pic I had just taken.
"But where are the rest" I exclaimed.
"Thats all there was. Its not very good" he said
"But, but what about the cot quilt and the stuff I made at christmas..."
"Just take some more" said he
" I don't have them anymore" (not happy me)
It transpired that he had needed the memory card for console games (arrgh!) and had downloaded the images onto his laptop a couple of weeks earlier. He has only just found them this week!!!

Will show you more piccies soon. Just want to make sure this worked :)

Debbie's Friends

2009-04-20T08:11:00.002+10:00

My first reaction the Deb's sms saying she had mentioned my blog was "Oh No, I'm not ready..." I attempted to send her an sms saying what a cheeky villain she was :), when I discovered I had to recharge my phone. The moment was gone LOL. So I then decided to check out what she had said on my blog.
The warmth expressed in the comments left my her and you, her blogmates was very welcoming and made me feel a little less alone. So thank you very much. Mars can be a tad isolated at times.

I am still not entirely over my week-end illness which explains the tiny additions I've made to my site. I stayed in bed. Liam was very cute, allowing me to stay in bed for a time (he did have Daddy afterall), before tweaking my toes and climbing in and snuggling beside me. Who could resist such a lovely wake-up? OK he needed a nappy change, but thats not the point. He was still reluctant to go off with Daddy :)

Why Mars?

2009-04-16T16:57:00.000+10:00

Why Stitches?
Craft is my sanity saver, it has given me a sense of peace as well as a connection with others through reading blogs of designers I admire and sharing time crafting with others. It also gave me an opportunity to create something at a time when I was capable of little and for this I have to thank my sister who handed me her pattern books, paint and craftwood and said "Choose something" . She also got me sewing and now blogging. Where would I be without her?

There are two reasons for Mars.

One is that I have a husband and 3 sons (the Mars of the popular book "Venus and Mars". For instance when I asked my darling husband what he thought of the bits of fabric and sticheries I had laid out on the floor he said "I just see a pile of red rags".
The second reason is all about our youngest son, who is different, who really made me realise how excluding the word "normal" can be and how wonderful (albeit challenging and occasionally painful) being different is.

Liam was diagnosed shortly after his 2nd birthday with autism. We would dearly love to know how he views our world and what he is thinking. His sensory experiences differ to ours, yet he generally passes unnoticed in the crowd until these differences surface in a way people often cannot, will not or fail to understand. My son with his greater limitations is expected to bridge the gap between himself and a world where social skills and communication are natural and easy for most. Yet Liam is a gorgeous, affectionate and happy little boy, whom we adore. I would rather live on Mars with him, than on Earth without him, but Mars can be difficult to get to.